Duel (1972)

"Duel" is the one of the first and most underrated films in Steven Spielberg's extensive filmography. It is a masterpiece of knuckle-biting intensity and deserves far more respect and appreciation than it gets!

During my quest to watch all of Spielberg's movies (because he is my favourite director) I discovered this hidden gem and (falsely) assumed that "Duel" would be a cheesy film that would act as a pleasant way to spend an evening. Oh, how WRONG I was!

This film is fantastic! The best way to describe "Duel" is that it is essentially if "Jaws" was set on a remote desert road where the shark is a truck.

It features a brilliant performance by Dennis Weaver, who magnificently conveys paranoia, terror and anxiety whilst spending most of the film talking to himself. Whilst it was made for TV, the film feels very cinematic, from it's cinematography to it's practical effects, (which are most noteworthy during the film's climatic finale which I won't spoil.)

Spielberg's ability to hide a restrictive effect or budget constraints were also showcased in "Jaws" when the mechanical shark famously and continually broke down. His philosophy that "the unseen is more terrifying than the seen" is used to great effect in "Duel." The fact that you never see the psychopathic truck driver heightens the tension of the film, when you are up against a faceless threat, how can you discover their weakness?

The cinematography is especially excellent during a particularly nerve-wracking sequence set in a bar in the middle of nowhere. As the film's protagonist, David Mann, realises that his murderous quarry may be in the bar with him, the camera slants and zooms sickeningly. The combination of these effects, Weaver's fearful narration and the haunting score makes this scene one of the movie's most memorable and freighting.

The truck itself is a force to be reckoned with. The oil, grime and dead bugs that are splattered across it's rusty surface give the beast a disgusting and unnerving appearance. Spielberg deliberately picked the truck because it's grill looked like a face. This furthers the animalistic and monstrous stature of the truck.

I love the conclusion of "Duel." It isn't a loud, over-blown effects showcase, but a more real and gritty climax.

The pacing is perfect, the movie doesn't feel too long or too short. If "Duel" had run for one more minute, I would have become a nervous wreck. The film is so pulse-quickening, the 90 minute runtime doesn't offer a second of breathing space.

In summary, Steven Spielberg's "Duel" is a perfect film, a masterpiece of intensity. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. If you are a fan of Spielberg movies, thrillers, car chases or well-made movies, you owe it to yourself to watch "Duel!"

Go on. You will NOT be disappointed!