JOE'S SUMUP: thrilling good fun
(1971) It's rather stimulating to grow up watching E.T., Jaws, Raiders, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, etc etc etc etc etc... and then to discover in adulthood "Duel", totally shoved under the rug by the very hand that made it. I'm not saying Spielberg's hand---I'm saying the hand of Speilberg's success. It's not his fault classic gems like this one have gone unrecognized.
It appears that right from the beginning, Spielberg had big ideas of what he wanted to express to the world. He not only landed at the right time in the right place to be a revolutionary, he also paved his own road to be one. The wonder is that Steven the Crusader probably hardly knew he was part of this scheme. I dare say the very revolution was a mere byproduct of what he created. Here's one that got the ball rolling for him.
For being a low-budget 70's film going straight to T.V., and with no John Williams to score it, "Duel" is heavy---quick and intense entertainment. Spielberg clearly enjoys the appeal of large yet ominous nemeses. One in the form on a semi carrying ten tons behind it was as surprisingly thrilling as a giant shark was so blatantly thrilling. The knee-jerk reaction was, what kind of a threat is this massive lorry against against a speedy small sedan? Wait and see. Hitchcock would've smiled---not every director could pull off such an ominous and inexplicable rogue as this one.
Many films attempt showing the bad in good guys and the good in bad guys. We've seen some succeed, and others fail miserably. "Duel" doesn't mince such ideas. It starts with everything already broken down, dichotomizing survivor and predator, victim and villain. And it doesn't mind having a lot of fast-action fun doing so. You don't have to be a Spielberg diehard to enjoy this should-be dark horse, all you need is a little taste for a good thrill ride. Two thumbs up. Yes they're both mine, for now anyway. Running time: 90 min.
1 comment:
Sweet blog, Donny! I've never heard of a couple movies on hear, but you've caught my interest. No one pulls off a car chase like Spielburg.
I look forward to following your reviews.
By the way, for the "Reactions" buttons, I can only see the top line, not the next. Just FYI.
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