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Review

Duel – Movie Review

  • Directed by Steven Spielberg.
  • Written by Richard Matheson.
  • Starring Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott and Eddie Firestone.

Originally aired as a 60 minute TV movie in the US, Duel was released in Europe as a feature length film in a new 90 minute cut. Based on a short story of the same name, it tells the story of a David Mann (Dennis Weaver) driving down a countryside road in southern California. On the way to an important business meeting, he encounters a reckless truck driver who seems intent on endangering his life. The monstrous motorized vehicle pursuits the main protagonist throughout the movie with the sole purpose of killing him (or hurting him really bad).

The simple plot, minimum dialogue and little character development may lead you to believe the film is simplistic at first but Spielberg’s vision combined with Matheson’s formidable script create a tense and oppressing atmosphere. The story is narrated and shot almost entirely from a first person perspective, you never see truck drivers face nor do you hear the sound of his voice. As a matter of fact, the actual truck is given much more importance than the person behind the wheel. It’s represented in an almost organic form, transforming it into a colossal force of nature, a monster just waiting to devour everything crossing its path. In many ways, it has more in common with the shark in Jaws than with anything mechanical.

This is, for me, the movie’s greatest strength, plunging the viewer into an ocean of uncertainties. In most films the spectator is constantly bashed over the head with psychological explanations, back stories, flashbacks, to a point where he detains more information than the characters themselves whereas Duel uses none of these tools. You are right in there, in that car with David, wondering what the hell is going on, and all we are allowed to witness is David’s point of view. The spectator is in the same situation as the main character, hunted and completely unaware of the truck driver’s motivation leaving us pondering in fear and paranoia: why is this dude trying to kill me? Does he hold a grudge against red cars? Is he some tree-hugging, Greenpeace-loving hippy expressing his manifestation against gasoline powered vehicles? Maybe my sweet mustache and mutton chops are making him a little jealous?

Spielberg’s camerawork greatly adds to the paranoiac sentiment of the movie: lots of close ups, quick zooms and many interior claustrophobic shots. Everything is done for you to feel as if you’re part of the ride, as if that 40 ton truck is after you. Its cinematography and ambiance (the stressful and piercing violins of the score) make Duel probably the closest you can get to a Hitchcock movie without it being a Hitchcock movie. Unsurprising, seeing as Sir Alfred is one of Steven Spielberg’s biggest influences. At the same time, despite all the references, this film still has a very personal feel because it contains many themes to be called upon in his future films (the inexorable destruction of marriage, fear of being devoured by gigantic undefined creatures, snakes…).

I give Duel a Cool. It’s a smart, intense and enjoyable little movie that marks the debut of a tremendously talented and successful director. My respects to you Mr. Spielberg and please don’t make another Indy movie.

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About The Author

Romain

Representing generation 1988, Romain was born in France and bred on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Was fortunate enough to live several years in the U.S. and in Ireland where he was raised on Super Nintendo, Jurassic Park and Star Wars. Currently studying biology in France, spending most of his time skipping class and going to the cinema.

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Article Information

  • Posted: Saturday, March 14th, 2009
  • Author: Romain
  • Filed Under: Film, Review
Tags: , , , , , ,

Comments

2 Responses to “Duel – Movie Review”
  1. Vokalist Vokalist says:

    Romain,
    I totally agree with you. Duel is one of those films where not much is explained but you feel like you are in it. It is wild and exciting. I re-watched it a few months ago and I was actually sweating from nervousness, and I’ve seen it before!
    I’ve always been a big fan of Spielberg, and this was the first feature film he made (even though it was made for TV, he always had an eye for making it feature length for the UK, as was the trend back in the day).
    To compare the truck to the shark is a great way to look at it. To say the shark isn’t mechanical though…? Just kidding. I like how you made that comparison, because I did the same thing when I first saw it.
    Well done!
    Kristopher “The Vokalist” Wright

    March 15, 2009 at 12:11 pm
    • Romain Ballet Romain says:

      I remember an interview where Spielberg explained that it was when he saw the Polish poster for Duel (The one used here) that he knew he was meant to direct Jaws.

      March 17, 2009 at 6:55 pm

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