Duel

Name: Duel
Genre: Action, Thriller
Released: November 13, 1971
Duration: 90 min
Rating: 81
Cast: Alexander Lockwood, Charles Seel, Dennis Weaver, Eddie Firestone, Gene Dynarski

1971

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 15 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 19 Ratings

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8.3

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8.3	Your Score
8.3	User Score Universal acclaim based on 19 Ratings

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Duel

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Movie Details & Credits

American Broadcasting Company (ABC) | Release Date: November 13, 1971 | TV-PG

Starring: Alexander Lockwood, Charles Seel, Dennis Weaver, Eddie Firestone, Gene Dynarski, Jacqueline Scott, Lou Frizzell, Lucille Benson, Shirley O'Hara, Tim Herbert

Summary: A business commuter is pursued and terrorized by the malevolent driver of a massive tractor-trailer.

Director: Steven Spielberg

Genre(s): Action, Thriller

Rating: TV-PG

Runtime: 90 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

John Hartl

This expertly sustained 1971 suspense classic established Steven Spielberg's reputation as a director. [23 Dec 1993, p.E7]

The Guardian Scott Tobias

It takes less than a minute of watching Duel, Steven Spielberg's feature-length debut, to realize you're in the hands of a master director. Read full review

Mitchell Beaupre

This is a film stripped back to its bare essentials, and Spielberg thrives in having to get creative to make each moment feel as fresh and energised as the last. Read full review

Maria D. Laso

Spielberg reveals his budding genius as he builds suspense in an excruciating series of scenes and seeming non-events. To the credit of the direction, the cinematography and Weaver's acting, you start to believe the truck has a sinister life of its own. Your imagination runs away with you because virtually all you can see is the truck grille in Weaver's rear-view mirror. [21 Jan 1993, p.28]

Screen Rant Cathal Gunning

As a marriage of theme (the pace of modern life makes enemies of potential friends and renders everyone faceless) and technique, Duel is a compelling thriller that crystallizes Spielberg’s early promise and, as a result, is often seen as one of the best TV movies the medium has ever offered. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

An exquisite piece of streamlined suspense and action that clearly demonstrates that the 24-year-old filmmaker was already in full control of his vision. Read full review

Drew Hunt

The existential allegories are pretty blunt—star Dennis Weaver’s character, a symbol for all mankind, is literally named Mann—but the filmmaking is electric, an early testament to Spielberg’s prowess. Read full review

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User Reviews

freeridearts

Apr 20, 2023

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0 of 0 users found this helpful00

scott550

Jan 14, 2023

Widely hailed as the greatest made for tv movie ever. Brilliant directing by Spielberg. The scene at the railroad crossing is amazing. An astounding action thriller. Every camera

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RatedRex

Jul 5, 2023

"Duel" was uniquely presented back in 1971. I remember after watching the movie, the next day, in school, all the fellas discussed how "boss" the movie was. Upon a recent viewing, 50 years later, I wasn't as impressed. But it is still worth watching.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

codyz

Aug 19, 2023

Movie is simple, solid, and intense all the way. You can really see Spielberg's burgeoning talent in every shot. But also credit Dennis Weaver's committed performance, as an Everyman, who is literally driven to extremes.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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