Duel is a thrilling, intense and suspenseful ride that doesn't let up. The story is simple: a trucker gets upset at a guy in a car then proceeds to terrorize and bully the guy for the rest of the movie. What makes it interesting and gripping is the way Spielberg chooses to shoot and execute the movie. Spielberg films Duel with a deft eye. You can see him experimenting and using the camera in creative ways. The camera is very interactive, acting almost like a third character. Watching this movie, you would never think it was Spielberg at the helm, but it is. This movie builds on the paranoia and fear one might feel if they went through a similar experience.
The worst part is that there doesn't really seem to be an explanation why the trucker is behaving in such an erratic and aggressive way towards the guy in the car. It's almost like he's bullying him, toying with him out of simple road rage. That was funny how the tanker ends up helping the school bus that was stuck. Shows a kind of compassionate, human side to the tanker. It's interesting how throughout the whole movie we never see who's driving the tanker. It's almost like the truck is an entity that drives itself. The truck is the monster. That slow-mo crash during the climax of the movie was amazing.
I like how they also showcase the beautifully dry and arid side of California. I think I recognized some of the filming locations based on GTA V. I think they filmed out around the area where Trevor lives. The premise and story is very simple, but it's the different interpretations and ideas that one can put on the movie that makes it interesting. Is it a statement on social classes? White collared vs. Blue collared? Is it a statement on road rage, unchecked aggression and masculinity? I think it warrants a second watch. I recommend this movie.
The worst part is that there doesn't really seem to be an explanation why the trucker is behaving in such an erratic and aggressive way towards the guy in the car. It's almost like he's bullying him, toying with him out of simple road rage. That was funny how the tanker ends up helping the school bus that was stuck. Shows a kind of compassionate, human side to the tanker. It's interesting how throughout the whole movie we never see who's driving the tanker. It's almost like the truck is an entity that drives itself. The truck is the monster. That slow-mo crash during the climax of the movie was amazing.
I like how they also showcase the beautifully dry and arid side of California. I think I recognized some of the filming locations based on GTA V. I think they filmed out around the area where Trevor lives. The premise and story is very simple, but it's the different interpretations and ideas that one can put on the movie that makes it interesting. Is it a statement on social classes? White collared vs. Blue collared? Is it a statement on road rage, unchecked aggression and masculinity? I think it warrants a second watch. I recommend this movie.