Duel – Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Confession time.

This was the first time I’d seen Steven Spielberg’s debut movie, Duel.

I know, I know, don’t judge me!

I watched the cropped 16:9 Theatrical version, which is longer than the original TV Movie version, and I have to say, the latter probably works better. I firmly believe that a film should be as efficient as possible, and sustaining a chase for as long as this film does, whilst very impressive, does begin to feel a bit much.

Still, in terms of pure storytelling, this film is a great example of how little you need to keep an audience engaged!

It’s good, but would I watch it again? Probably not. Not for fun anyway; as an examination of film technique? Absolutely.

Hats off to Spielberg! To have made this film at the age of 22 or 23, and shot it in only 12 days??!! I mean, for that alone he deserves every plaudit he can get!

Brilliant filmmaker, in every sense, and a mightily impressive debut!