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How Spielberg’s ‘Duel’ Reveals Why Fast & Furious Fans Will Love This Hidden Action Gem

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The Fast & Furious series seems to have lost its initial charm and direction, with many viewers struggling to pinpoint exactly when it took a turn for the worse. From Dom’s bridge-to-bridge stunt to Tej and Roman embarking on an interstellar journey, numerous events might be considered as potential turning points. Even Jason Momoa’s portrayal of a character reminiscent of Heath Ledger in Fast X failed to reinvigorate the franchise. To make matters worse, there’s uncertainty about when the next film will be released, even for Vin Diesel, who has publicly pleaded with Universal for updates.

These days certainly seem intriguing, and it’s possible that doubts about the franchise have crept into the studio. Time will tell, but there’s no need for fans to worry. If you’re yearning for action-packed entertainment akin to gasoline-fueled movies, there’s no lack of options – from the Transporter series to Rush. However, I’d like to recommend the lesser-known film Duel, directed by Steven Spielberg in the ’70s. It stands out due to its heart-pounding chase sequences and relentless tension.

Someone Is Chasing Our Protagonist in ‘Duel,’ and No One Knows Why

The film titled “Duel” is simple yet engaging, never a dull moment. It starts with David Mann (known from Gunsmoke, portrayed by Dennis Weaver), a middle-aged electronics salesman, driving a Plymouth Valiant through the Mojave Desert for business purposes. As he travels along an isolated two-lane road, he encounters a dilapidated Peterbilt 281 tanker truck moving slowly. After passing it, the truck picks up speed and overtakes him. When he attempts to pass again, the driver honks aggressively in an attempt to scare him off.

Initially thinking it was just rude road behavior from the other driver, Mann soon understands that the trucker is purposely harassing him. Intriguingly, the antagonist’s identity remains hidden on-screen. At a certain point, the truck persistently follows Mann, cuts him off, and tries to intimidate him off the road. The more Mann attempts to evade, the more severe the hostility escalates.

As a film enthusiast, stepping into a roadside diner to escape the mysterious truck driver, I hoped for some respite, but my heart sank when I noticed the ominous vehicle parked outside. Annoyed and on edge, I scanned the crowd, pointing out who I suspected as the tormentor. However, my accusations only enraged one of the patrons, who attacked me in return before fleeing in a different vehicle. This incident confirmed my suspicions that it wasn’t the original driver. Minutes later, the aggressive truck vanished, hinting that its driver had never left the vehicle, adding another layer of unease to this already unsettling situation.

A short while later, my pursuit continues. Upon finding myself assisting a stranded school bus, the truck reappears, aiming for me, compelling me to swiftly escape. And as I waited at a railroad crossing for a freight train to pass, the truck emerged from behind, attempting to shove my car towards the incoming train. Given the circumstances, I’m pushed to my limits, both physically and mentally. After careful consideration, I come up with a plan to neutralize this danger forever.

‘Duel’ Mirrors the Moderate Early Installments of the ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise

It’s been proposed that the Fast & Furious series was stronger when it stuck to its basic roots, and took a turn for the worse once it introduced spy-related elements. People who agree with this viewpoint tend to prefer Duel, a road-action thriller that doesn’t have the gloss or complexity of Steven Spielberg’s later works, but instead relies on compelling storytelling. Similar to the first four films about Dominic Toretto and his friends, this ’70s movie is based in reality, and what happens to Mann could happen to anyone who encounters a psychopath on the road.

The thrilling cat-and-mouse chases in movies starring Vin Diesel are a significant part of their allure. These high-speed pursuits are the main event, transforming the entire film into an extended chase scene. The cars themselves become the leading actors, displaying remarkable driving abilities as they maneuver through each tense moment. Close-ups and fitting sound effects intensify the danger, while the raw, unedited footage adds authenticity. It’s worth noting that these nail-biting chase sequences were a testament to Spielberg’s skill at a time when advanced filmmaking techniques were not as common as they are today; all scenes were shot on location with cameras mounted on fast-moving vehicles.

Above all, the Fast & Furious films revolve around clashes and contests, where the question arises: who is the superior racer? fighter? Who can get to a potentially dangerous device first? Similar themes are present in the movie Duel. The main characters and adversaries are fiercely competitive, striving to outdo each other. However, neither of them achieves victory without a struggle. In the end, only one emerges as the undisputed victor.

As a fan of Fast & Furious myself, I can confidently say that “Duel” certainly hits the spot for those craving an adrenaline rush reminiscent of what they’ve enjoyed over the years. It skips the cheesy aspects, delivering pure action, counteraction, and palpable tension instead. What sets it apart is its Spielberg-like quality – a distinctive artistic touch that’s often missing in typical popcorn movies. To top it off, Weaver shines brilliantly in the lead role, embodying calm composure and resolute self-assuredness, while the stuntman behind the truck’s wheel brings an explosive energy to his performance.

‘Duel’ Boosted Steven Spielberg’s Career, and Changed ABC’s Fortunes

The idea behind Duel emerged in an intriguing environment. Back in the 1960s, movie studio executives regarded television as a less prestigious platform yet saw it as a potential competitor to their box office earnings. As a result, they typically demanded exorbitant fees for film broadcast rights from networks. In response, networks started producing movies specifically for television.

The popularity of the new format soared when ABC introduced its “Movie of the Week” segment, which brought it on par with NBC and CBS in terms of ratings. Previously, ABC had faced challenges and was humorously dubbed as “Almost Broadcasting Company (ABC).” However, after the success and critical acclaim of Duel, people started taking ABC more seriously.

When Spielberg was yet to experience success, his secretary persuaded him to submit an application for directing a “Movie of the Week” about trucks. This opportunity came about because ABC planned to adapt a Richard Matheson story that had been published in the March 1971 issue of Playboy magazine. Interestingly, Matheson drew inspiration for his story when he was closely followed by a truck driver while driving home from a golf match on November 22, 1963, which also happened to be the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

At a time when he was relatively unrecognized as a director, Spielberg submitted an application and landed the job. This marked his second directing venture, following an episode of NBC’s television series titled The Name of the Game. By tapping into the public’s fear of the unknown, he managed to score his first major career success. The movie was the 18th most-watched television film of 1971, boasting a Nielsen rating of 20.9 and an audience share of 33%. After its triumph, it was also screened in cinemas. Regrettably, it was overshadowed by the blockbusters that followed and is mostly overlooked today.

As a film critic, I can attest that Steven Spielberg’s star was on the rise during an era marked by positive audience reception, glowing reviews, and prestigious awards. This time was ripe for his ascent, as the traditional studio executives were increasingly open to giving fresh talent the reins, enabling them to reshape Hollywood in their image. Fast forward a few years, and Spielberg would direct “Jaws,” a film that indelibly altered the blockbuster genre. In an interview with the Archive of American Television, Spielberg confessed that among his favorites is “Duel,” a movie he revisits at least twice yearly to remind himself of his early work. As he put it, “You know, I watch that movie at least twice a year to remember what I did.

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2025-05-18 00:33

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