Duel

Duel

Year: 1971

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Spielberg

ActionThriller

While driving along a lonely highway, a salesman named David Mann finds himself pursued by a large, menacing oil tanker. What begins as a frustrating encounter quickly turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse as the tanker's driver seems determined to harass and intimidate him. David’s ordinary drive transforms into a desperate fight for survival, pushing him to his limits as he attempts to outmaneuver and stop his relentless pursuer in a thrilling battle of wills.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Duel yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Duel (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Duel (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in a modern setting reflective of the early 1970s, when American road culture flourished. This era saw the rise of long-distance travel by automobile, highlighting both the freedom and vulnerabilities associated with being on the road.

Location

California high desert

The California high desert is known for its vast, open landscapes and rugged terrain. It serves as a stark backdrop for David Mann's harrowing journey, symbolizing isolation and danger. The desolate two-lane interstate adds to the tension of the chase, emphasizing the feeling of being trapped in a hostile environment.

🏜️ Desert 🚗 Road ⛽ Gas Station

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:12

Main Characters – Duel (1971)

Meet the key characters of Duel (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Mann

David Mann is a mild-mannered businessman who finds himself drawn into a lethal game of cat and mouse. Portrayed as initially reluctant and non-confrontational, his character evolves through the film as he grapples with fear, frustration, and ultimately, the instinct to survive. His transformation is the crux of the narrative, showcasing the impact of external threats on one's psyche.

👨‍💼 Protagonist 🚗 Driver 😨 Vulnerable

Truck Driver

Though nameless and unseen, the truck driver represents a sinister presence throughout Mann's journey. Their erratic driving and violent intentions symbolize a faceless menace that challenges Mann’s resolve. The ambiguity surrounding this character intensifies the psychological horror of the chase, heightening tension as they embody the fear of the unknown.

🚚 Antagonist 😈 Malevolent 👻 Unseen

Mann's Wife

Mann's wife, though only heard over the phone, serves as a voice of reason and a reminder of his vulnerabilities. Her clashes with Mann highlight his internal conflicts regarding confrontation and avoidance. This relationship adds depth to Mann's character, showing the personal implications of his terrifying ordeal.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Supporting 💬 Voice of Reason 💔 Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:12

Major Themes – Duel (1971)

Explore the central themes of Duel (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😱 Survival

The theme of survival is central to the film as David Mann faces off against an unseen enemy. His struggle evolves from a simple irritation into a desperate battle for life, showcasing the lengths a person will go to when threatened. This theme resonates deeply with the primal instincts that surface when confronted with danger.

🚧 Fear

Fear plays a pivotal role in Mann's psyche as he becomes increasingly paranoid about the truck driver. This pervasive anxiety manifests in his interactions and decisions, highlighting the psychological toll of such relentless pursuit. The film captures how fear can skew perception and lead to desperate measures.

🔄 Confrontation

The theme of confrontation is illustrated through Mann's escalating encounters with the truck, symbolizing a battle against an anonymous, larger force. Each failed attempt to escape deepens the conflict, portraying how confrontation can sometimes be unavoidable, pushing individuals to confront their fears head-on.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:12

Unlock the Full Story of Duel

Don't stop at just watching — explore Duel in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Duel is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Duel Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Duel, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Duel Summary

Duel Timeline

Track the full timeline of Duel with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Duel Timeline

More About Duel

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Duel: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Duel

Similar Movies to Duel

Discover movies like Duel that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.