One Mann’s Valiant struggle against a mechanical murderer: a
parable concerning diminishing manhood in this modern world of repressed
anxiety and changing cultural mores. Dennis Weaver wonderfully portrays David
Mann: a businessman whose identity is at stake, a man who feels tiny and
insignificant in his tiny red Plymouth Valiant, his under-powered engine barely
able to climb steep hills and get him safely to his destination.
Mann’s spiritual crossroads collides with a bullying truck driver,
whose grimy and angry steel weapon dwarfs his own, a demon on wheels that
pursues him through the hills and valleys pushing Mann to his very limits,
until the final duel on the fiery ledge of the abyss where only one will
survive. Director Steven Spielberg films in tight close-up, which reveals the
sweaty anxiety of our hero while never showing the driver of the truck: he’s
just a faceless monster in cowboy boots. This allows a suspenseful interlude at
a diner where Mann must confront this unidentified killer and we are allowed
access to his inner thoughts as he reasons his way towards hysteria. Spielberg
gives us subtle clues and quick edits to lead us astray and build suspense, so
when the truth is revealed we reel in shock.
Soon the diesel stench of fear permeates the air and we become
claustrophobic, enclosed in the coffin-like interior of Mann’s car, while the
temperature gauge and speedometer both slowly crawl towards their deadly nadir.
The sparse music adds an element of suspense and dread as wicked strings and
grinding metal punctuate the drama. Richard Matheson’s slender script is devoid
of excess, allowing Spielberg to rely on frisson of visual momentum.
David Mann finally regains his manhood and his wild victory dance
soon turns towards a languid glowing sunset, physically and emotionally spent
from the ordeal. DUEL
is one of Spielberg’s best films since it doesn't rely on the typical “happy
ending” melodrama where the family reunites and everything is OK. Here, on this
dismal precipice, David Mann’s future remains uncertain.
Final Grade: (A)
