Duel

DUEL (1971) - June 27, 2005
Considering that this is Steven Spielberg's first film, and a TV movie at that, it's certainly above average. However it comes as no surprise to find out that this was based on a short story, as the premise is pretty thin and the movie feels overlong even at ninety minutes. It was certainly well-made, though. The truck becomes a really sinister presence even without ever seeing the driver. But the movie is just too one-note to ever really get into. It probably doesn't help that Dennis Weaver isn't all that great in the main role, and his occasional panicked narration is more annoying than anything else. **1/2