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!

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Timeline – Duel (1971)

Trace every key event in Duel (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

David Mann Begins His Journey

David Mann sets off on a business trip from Los Angeles in his eye-catching red 1970 Plymouth Valiant. The initial part of his journey is smooth, and he enjoys the open roads as he heads eastward.

Los Angeles
2

Entering the Desert

Mann navigates away from the busy freeways into a desolate stretch of two-lane interstate in the California high desert. This shift marks the beginning of what will become a harrowing journey fraught with danger.

California High Desert
3

First Encounter with the Truck

As he drives, Mann encounters a dilapidated tanker truck that emits black smoke. Irritated, he attempts to overtake it, but the driver retaliates with a loud horn blast and accelerates, forcing Mann to swerve sharply.

4

Gas Station Standoff

Mann stops for gas and becomes aware of an unseen driver watching him suspiciously. He attempts to contact his wife, leading to an argument that exposes his inner vulnerability and avoidance of confrontation.

Gas Station
5

The Game of Cat and Mouse

After leaving the gas station, Mann decides to let the truck driver go ahead. The truck's slow speed triggers a twisted game between them as each attempt Mann makes to pass is met with aggressive counteractions from the truck.

6

Near-Death Experience

In a hair-raising moment, Mann dodges an oncoming vehicle while trying to escape the truck's relentless pursuit. It's a wake-up call as he realizes that the truck's driver is purposefully trying to harm him.

7

Confrontation at the Diner

Mann encounters a diner where his tormentor might be hiding among the patrons. During a confrontation, he fights but is confused to see the supposed aggressor leaving in a different vehicle, intensifying his distress.

Diner
8

Obstacles on the Road

The tension heightens as Mann faces various challenges such as a stalled school bus and a dangerous train crossing. The truck continues to push him closer to the edge, both figuratively and literally.

9

Narrow Escape from Phone Booth

In a frantic effort to call for help, Mann finds himself trapped in a phone booth as the truck targets him. With quick thinking, he narrowly escapes being crushed, only to realize the danger is far from over.

10

Desperate Hiding

Seeking refuge, Mann hides, but the truck continues to stalk him. Its relentless pursuit proves that there is no safety, and he must find a way to confront the situation head-on.

11

The Radiator Hose Failure

While in the midst of a high-speed chase, Mann's car suffers a critical breakdown when the radiator hose fails. This mechanical failure leaves him vulnerable as he careens toward impending danger.

12

Climactic Showdown

In a tense final clash, Mann decides to take a stand against the truck. He improvises by wedging his briefcase on the accelerator, creating a moment of sheer desperation as he prepares for the endgame.

13

The Truck's Demise

As Mann makes a narrow escape, the truck fails to stop and plummets off the cliff, crashing below. This dramatic turn signifies the end of his harrowing experience as the unseen menace is finally eliminated.

Cliff
14

Triumphant Moment

With the threat behind him, Mann stands atop the cliff overwhelmed by adrenaline. He engages in joyous celebration, throwing stones into the abyss as the sun sets, marking a bittersweet conclusion to his ordeal.

Cliff

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 11:44

Unlock the Full Story of Duel

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Duel

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Duel. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Duel

More About Duel

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More About Duel

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