The movie is based on a short story by Richard Matheson, which was published in 1951. Matheson, who was known for his work in science fiction and horror, also wrote the screenplay for the movie. "Duel" was directed by Steven Spielberg, who was just starting out in his career at the time.
The plot revolves around David Mann, played by Dennis Weaver, who is a salesman traveling through the desert. He encounters a menacing, rust-colored tanker truck that seems to be stalking him. The truck driver is never seen, but his presence is felt throughout the movie. David becomes increasingly anxious and paranoid as the truck driver terrorizes him on the empty desert roads.
One of the most memorable aspects of the movie is the truck itself. The rust-colored tanker truck in the movie is an intimidating sight, devoid of any identifying features such as a company name, logo or visible driver. The truck is a symbol of the unknown and the uncontrollable, and it represents the primal fear that we all have of the unknown.
The movie is also filled with symbolism. One example is the scene where David stops at a gas station and meets a group of bikers. The bikers represent the free spirit and the rebel, and they are in stark contrast to David's character, who is meek and mild-mannered. The bikers mock David for being weak, and this interaction symbolizes David's struggle with his own masculinity.
Another powerful scene is when David sees the truck driver's face reflected in his own rearview mirror. The image is distorted and surreal, and it represents David's descent into madness and paranoia.
The movie is also filled with great quotes. One of the most famous is when David exclaims, "That truck driver's crazy, he's been trying to kill me, I mean it!" Bus Driver:"Well, mister, if I was to vote on who's crazy around here, it'd be you".This line perfectly encapsulates the feeling of powerlessness that David experiences throughout the movie.
In conclusion, "Duel" is a classic thriller that still holds up today. The movie is filled with symbolism, great quotes, and memorable scenes. If you're a fan of the genre, this movie is a must-see. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be scared out of your wits!

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