SOL 81 | Steven Spielberg's Masterpiece?

DUEL
Full movie on YouTube (no charge)
Run time: 89 minutes, Res. 720p, audio needs boosting.
(Read comments on YouTube before watching)

"Duel" (1971) is a psychological thriller directed by Steven Spielberg when he was only 24 years old.
The film tells the story of a businessman, David Mann (played by Dennis Weaver), who becomes the target of a menacing and relentless tanker truck driver while on a highway journey.  What begins as a minor road altercation escalates into a terrifying life-or-death chase as Mann tries to outwit and survive the faceless, psychotic driver.

"Duel" was initially released as a made-for-TV movie on ABC but was later given a theatrical release due to its popularity and critical acclaim. The film was praised for its tension, minimalism, and direction, making it one of the most-regarded TV movies of its time. Critics recognized Spielberg’s talent early on, and the film's success helped launch his career in Hollywood. 

"Duel" is based on a short story by Richard Matheson, a prolific American author known for his work in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The story was first published in Playboy magazine in 1971. Matheson drew inspiration for the tale from a real-life experience he had while driving on a highway, where a truck aggressively tailgated him, leaving him shaken. In both the story and the film, Matheson explores themes of vulnerability, isolation, and the thin line between civilization and chaos, turning a mundane situation into a terrifying battle for survival.

Death in the afternoon

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