Duel (1971)

Review by John "Spooky Sully" Sullivan



In November of 1971, an ABC "Movie of the Week" debuted from Universal that took a peaceful road trip and turned it into an unforgettable nightmare. Directed by Steven Spielberg in his first feature-length directing debut, Duel follows the road trip of David Mann (played by Dennis Weaver), a travelling salesman en route to a business meeting. On his way, he encounters a dirty brown Peterbuilt tanker truck driving slowly and emitting exhaust smoke. After passing the vehicle, the truck passes back in front of Mann and again, slows down. Once the action starts it never seems to stop as Mann's reasoning, and sanity, are pushed to the limits during this cross-country ride into terror including an ill-fated cafe confrontation that doesn't go as planned. As the story plays out, it is evident that the truck driver wants more than just to toy with Weaver's character, and it all culminates in one of the best action-packed finales of any made-for-tv movie of it's time. The one thing that is present throughout the film that makes it stand out from other films is that we never see the truck driver's face. Except for an occassional glimpse of his hand out the window or of his boots as he walks beside his truck, his identity, as well as his murderous motive, remains a mystery right up to the end. With the success of the American television broadcast, the film was about to be released overseas however, a longer version was needed for a theatrical release. Spielberg then went back and filmed additional scenes to bring the screen time up to 90 minutes from the previous 74. This longer, 90 minute version can be seen on Universal's US dvd Collector's Edition which also includes an insightful documentary with Steven Spielberg on the making of Duel (FYI spoilers included), an interview with the writer of the original short story and screenplay Richard Matheson and a short feature entitled Steven Spielberg and the Small Screen. Also included is the theatrical trailer, photograph gallery, production notes and cast and crew bios. For a 40 year-old tv movie, the picture and sound has survived well and looks good on this dvd transfer. If you're looking for a suspensful thrill-ride, then do yourself a favor and pick this one up, especially if you've never seen it. If you liked Christine and The Car then this one will be right up your alley. It will definitely make you think twice before you pass another big rig!