Duel

Duel, that cult classic by Steven Spielberg, is back on TV after all this time. Last time I saw it, it was an unannounced airing on RTL. For those who haven't seen it, it’s about a driver being terrorized on the highway by a psychotic trucker—which, honestly, feels like it could be a true story. It's a high-tension movie from start to finish with a solid dose of dread. Those who have already seen it don't need me explaining it...
The movie airs this Sunday on PBS at 11:45 PM.

Not sure if you've seen it yet, but honestly, don't get your hopes up. The movie is a slow burn. I can't stand slow movies unless there's actually a good reason for them, but here... the plot is just too thin.

Henry Campbell5 said:I don't know if you've seen it, but generally speaking, don't get too hyped. The movie is slow. I'm not a fan of slow movies unless there's a heavy narrative justification. Here, the plot is just too thin.

I've seen the movie, and it isn't slow—it's tense. Sure, the premise might seem simple, but the execution is great. Between the character's paranoia and those high-stakes roadside confrontations where a trucker tries to run him off the road... You're really going to blaspheme against a classic like that? Unbelievable. 🙂 🙂

Care, thanks for the recommendation—I still haven't managed to catch that movie!

All the best to you! 😁😁😁

It’s simple, straightforward, a bit dusty, but honestly? It’s so charming.
Just two cars and two actors—but man, it still makes for a great movie.
I don't really have any fancy arguments here—it's just one of my all-time favorites.

Dana Barrett11 said:2 actors

😕

I’ve sat through this movie at least three times now, and I’ve finally reached the point where I can actually justify grabbing a copy or recording it myself 👍 👍

The movie will be hitting shelves here on DVD soon... ☕

Henry Campbell5 said:The plot here is just way too simplistic.

What a joke... I have to hand it to 👍

Calling a movie bad just because the plot is simple—which supposedly messes with the pacing—is a stretch...

Just another 👍

😢 Once again, I missed out on a great movie this Sunday. My sleeping habits are getting the better of me...

I turned on the TV yesterday and happened to catch Duel playing... I hadn't watched it since the very beginning, just caught the last half hour or so, but I guess it didn't really matter since I'd already seen it before... It's such an excellent movie...

redowl90 said:What a gem... I really have to give 👍

The movie is bad because the plot is too simple, which ruins the pacing...

Just another 👍

I didn't say it was bad, just that it's slow. Then again, I haven't watched it in a while, so maybe my opinion would've changed. Unfortunately, I didn't catch it this time even though I wanted to, just so I could throw more pearls before swine. 👍

I find myself constantly searching for that specific message within the movie 😢

Wait, am I the only one who realized there were a few scenes missing from that? :L

Alexander Sanders5 said:Did really nobody catch that a few scenes were missing? :L

Well, I think everyone noticed! It was actually pretty obvious where they cut the scenes.🙂

Yeah, they aired a shortened version (only about 70 mins)

Roger Allen3 said:I mean, I think everyone caught on. It was pretty obvious where they chopped out the scenes.🙂

muahhahahahhaa, look at this guy

But seriously, they cut that whole part where he's chasing kids onto a bus and some other stuff too :L

Movies are everything. 🙏
Shooting in just thirteen days with a budget of $450,000.
When I look at recent releases—stuff like 2fast 2furious, Torque, or Biker Boyz...—it’s hard not to wonder how much money they threw at those projects, only for the end result to pale in comparison to the raw intensity found in scenes from Duel or Mad Max.
It stands as one of the finest examples of how you can craft a truly great movie on a shoestring budget, provided you actually have a solid idea and the skill to pull it off.
My favorite part has to be that final scene where the truck plunges into the ravine; the sound that truck makes... it sounds like the scream of a wounded beast. And that entire fall? It was captured in a single take.

brisksailor3 said:That movie is legendary. 🙏
They shot it in just 13 days on a $450,000 budget.
When I look at modern blockbusters (like 2fast 2furious, Torque, Biker Boyz,...), the amount of money poured into them is massive, yet they can't even come close to matching the impact of the scenes in Duel or Mad Max.
It’s one of the finest examples of how you can craft a masterpiece with limited funds if you actually have a solid idea and the skill to execute it.
My favorite part has to be that final scene where the truck plunges into the ravine; the sound it makes almost sounds like a wounded animal screaming. Believe it or not, that crash was captured in a single take.

They couldn't even afford two trucks...

brisksailor3 said:That movie is pure gold. 🙏
They shot it in just 13 days on a $450,000 budget.
When you look at modern stuff (like 2 Fast 2 Furious, Torque, or Biker Boyz...), it’s crazy how much money gets dumped into them, yet they can't touch the impact of those scenes from Duel or Mad Max.
It stands as one of the best examples of how you can pull off a great film with minimal cash if you actually have a solid idea and the skill to execute it.
My favorite part is the ending—that scene where the truck goes over the cliff. The sound it makes... it sounds like a wounded animal screaming. And apparently, that whole fall was captured in just one take.

Wait, how many shots are even in that movie!?😲

Every few seconds during the chases, there's a cut.