Duel

"Duel" is a gripping and intense thriller masterfully directed by Steven Spielberg from Richard Matheson's unique and powerful story and screenplay. This 1971 made-for-TV production was Spielberg's breakthrough film, and he hit a grand slam with this. Much like his wonderful direction of the first Columbo TV series episode, the young director’s style is seldom unnoticeable, but then, neither is it obtrusive. It does what great directing should do, use visuals to tell the story and imbue it wherever possible with theme and atmosphere. David Mann (Dennis Weaver), a mild mannered electronics salesman, is driving cross-country on a two-lane California desert highway when he encounters an old oil tanker driven by an unseen driver who seems to enjoy annoying him with dangerous and life-threatening attacks. The movie is notable for its simple yet effective premise, focusing on the psychological and physical torment experienced by the protagonist. The tension is palpable throughout the film, as the truck driver becomes increasingly aggressive and determined to harm or kill, for no apparent reason. A masterpiece, and a tutorial on how to push the camera to it's fullest potential to tell a fantastic story, all on a low budget, with no CGI. Amazing!