Duel

The truck has more personality than a lot of the slasher villains. Not as much personality as that truck from Maximum Overdrive though. Instead of AC/DC blasting throughout, there's an excellent minimalist score from Billy Goldenberg. Evidently Spielberg cut half of the scripted lines. This from guy who had Daniel Day Lewis look directly into the camera and say, "I'm Lincoln, bitch." although I might remember that wrong.

Spielberg's incredible debut is minimalistic, effectively suspenseful and stylistically inventive, with smart choices like going handheld when Mann is dizzy. Weaver is cast perfectly and the voice-over worked well. The only gripe is that you can fault the logic of his character's actions (why not turn back or wait it out on the top of a hill?) but this is dealt with through the theme of masculinity. And, really, would you be able to think clearly under these circumstances? Nail-bitingly intense.

Minus two points for not using an ice cream truck. That would've been awesome. Great acting, directing, editing and pacing. I miss GOOD Spielberg movies.

Great simple suspense movie. Proves that you can make a good TV movie with no money if you're talented.

"Duel" plainly shows how incredibly talented a filmmaker young Spielberg was. Minimalistic and thrilling. Highly recommended.

Top badass moment? “You can't beat me on the grade!” As I frequently drive automatic, 3.5t vans limited to the same speed as most lorries, this is my battle cry of choice when dealing with them; (especially along the A34 through Oxfordshire, which has a lot of hills). I reckon I can best about 95%, given enough dual carriageway. Unfortunately, the other 5% make me feel I'm more inadequate than David Mann, such is the humiliation of being overtaken by one. No cats, chainsaws or decapitations.

Everyone's gotta start somewhere I guess. With 'Duel', Spielberg gives character development the middle finger and despite some neat suspense, the story was tediously protracted. And don't get me started on that climax, what a total cop-out -- it clearly read "FLAMMABLE", you bearded douche!

Made about as well as a movie can be made for this budget. It feels a bit dated but still remains effective. Good taut thriller.

Excellent suspense road-movie of Spielberg, one of the best I've ever seen ! Great !

You can't beat me on the grade!