Duel is a 1971 American action thriller film, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Dennis Weaver as businessman David Mann. The movie is based on the 1971 short story of the same name, written by Richard Matheson.
The storyline revolves around David Mann, an ordinary man on a business trip who is driving his car through the California desert. Along the way, he encounters a rusty, old tanker truck, which appears to be driven by an unseen and mysterious driver who takes an immediate dislike to him.
As Mann tries to overtake the truck, the driver refuses to let him pass and starts to harass him. The driver of the tanker initially taunts Mann by blocking his way, and then tailgating him at high speed on a narrow mountain road. The incident escalates into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse between the two drivers, as Mann struggles to escape the relentless pursuit of the mysterious trucker.
As the story unfolds, Mann tries to seek help from other motorists and the police but they are all unable to intervene. The tension builds up as he tries to outwit the driver of the tanker, who seems to have a personal vendetta against him. The chase ends in a climactic confrontation, where Mann uses his wits and determination to finally defeat his adversary.
Duel was a critically acclaimed movie and is considered a classic of early Spielberg cinema. The taut direction, suspenseful plot, and excellent performances by the cast make it a tense and thrilling ride that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats till the very end.