“Duel” The opponent is not the driver but the tank truck! A giant monster that destroys everyday life *Spoiler alert

The reason why the driver's face is not shown until the end

Spielberg never shows the driver's face to the audience. Three cuts are shown: a part of the driver's body sitting in the driver's seat, the driver's feet wearing snakeskin boots that Weaver glimpses at the restaurant, and an arm sticking out of the car window urging Weaver to pass. Only. As a result, the audience does not just watch from the sidelines as a human-versus-human battle takes place, but instead becomes immersed in a kind of supernatural experience by witnessing the tank truck acting as if it had a will.

A gigantic monster that destroys your peaceful daily life. This idea was continued in `` Jaws '' (1975). Spielberg, who aspired to become a director himself, implored producers David Brown and Richard D. Zanuck to watch ``Duel''. At that time, he persuaded them by saying the following. "' Duel' is the ' Jaws' of track and field," he said.

"Jaws" preview

These two films stand out among Spielberg's many masterpieces, depicting the fear and anxiety, courage and determination that arise when ordinary citizens come face to face with mysterious monsters. The casting of Dennis Weaver and Roy Scheider in the lead roles, respectively, as colorless actors into whom anyone can project themselves, is probably one of the reasons for its success.

Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg will turn 73 in December of this year. He is currently working on ``West Side Story,'' which will be released worldwide in December next year, and has two more films in the pipeline. This living legend says, ``I still watch it at least twice a year, so I don't forget what I did in this movie.'' Surprisingly, the movie was filmed 48 years ago. This is “Duel” In other words, ``Duel'' is a source of energy that allows Spielberg to return to the fearless movie boy he once was.

<References>

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/edgar-wright-interviews-steven-spielberg-about-duel/

Text: Kiyoto Kiyoto

Transitioned from the apparel industry to a movie writer. He regularly writes reviews for Eiga.com, Pia, J.COM Magazine, Tokyo Walker, Yahoo! News personal "Kiyoto Seito's Cinema Gym", etc. She has written books such as ``Learn from Audrey's Stylish Practice Book'' (published by Kindai Eigasha), which utilizes her knowledge of fashion. Currently in charge of commentary on BS10 Star Channel's movie information program "More Movies."

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“Duel”

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Publisher: NBCUniversal Entertainment

(C) 1971 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

*Information as of September 2019.