DUEL (1971) *1/2 This may be the greatest film ever for those who can't imagine a more wonderful sound than a small block Mopar engine. Other than that, historical significance I guess, Steven Spielberg's maiden voyage. That he ever got another opportunity suggests that, yes, Jews do in fact run Hollywood. On the other hand they're doing better than the rest of the government, so leave 'em alone. The dull music matches the action on the screen nicely. It is possible to detect outlines of metaphors having to do with the most superficial aspects of power, angst, unidirectional time, and flammable liquids. These metaphors are as sparse as the east California vegetation, and may or may not be intentional. Dennis Weaver is the only character with more than a line or two, and his interior monologues are significantly less interesting than his subsequent work as a mediocre tv network detective whose stuff was quickly banished to late night movies on school nights. Why he is being chased by a truck remains a mystery, why would anyone pay any attention to him?
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