The unseen driver of a tailgating semi tries to run a traveling salesman off the road. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 02/08/2005 Starring: Dennis Weaver Eddie Firestone Run time: 88 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Steven Spielberg
This is the TV movie that put Steven Spielberg on the map, shortly before he made The Sugarland Express. Working from a script by Richard Matheson, the film stars Dennis Weaver as a mild-mannered traveling salesman who unintentionally angers the driver of a semi truck. Suddenly, the truck is not only riding his tail but trying to run him off the road. No matter what he does (pulling over, stopping at a diner, calling the cops), he can't get rid of it. Spielberg makes the wise decision of never showing the driver, even as he cranks the voltage on the film's suspense elements. As a result, the truck itself takes on an air of satanic menace--even a personality of sorts--as it seems to hunt its human prey. Spielberg made a lot out of a little, suggesting just how skilled a storyteller he would become. --Marshall Fine
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Excellent:
The Duel is one of my favorite all-time movies. I original saw it on TV many years ago and remember being absolutely riveted to the screen. I now have it on DVD and it has not lost its power. It is a must see movie.
I generally despise Spielberg's pap, but this one's a gem!:
"Duel" is one of those ABC Movie of the Week standards from the 1970's (along with "Killdozer") that had a tremendous impact on us as impressionable kids. A true gem of a film, intense from start to finish yet suitable for family viewing, one that has stood the test of time despite some of the dated 70's era material. As is typical of Spielberg films, there are a few inexcusable filming errors - watch for the incredible disappearing crossing arm at the railroad crossing - but for the most part you won't... more info
"SEMI-Tough":
To my mind the best thing Spielberg has ever done. This movie strikes a cord in the heart of everyman. Have we all not had a semi breathing down our necks on a freeway, interstate or elsewhere? They could not stop if they had to and we would be a greasespot on the road. Dennis Weaver is great as the unsophisticated salesman that is terrorized by this demon. You feel the truck is driving itself, pre-programmed as you never see a driver at all, just feel the evil bearing down. Spielberg works hard to build... more info
Most under rated movie of all time:
I watched this movie for the first time about a year ago and was astounded at how well written and acted it is.
It kept me on the edge on my seat !!
What a great movie for the mid 1970s and made for TV ! It is in my top 10 favorites
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