Question 1

What real-life event inspired the story of Duel?

Accepted Answer

Author Richard Matheson was inspired to write the original short story after an encounter with a tailgating truck driver on November 22, 1963, the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Question 2

What did Steven Spielberg tell the truck driver actor about his character's motivation?

Accepted Answer

When actor Carey Loftin asked about his motivation, Spielberg told him, "You're a dirty, rotten, no-good son of a bitch." Loftin replied, "Kid, you hired the right man."

Question 3

How did Spielberg create the illusion of high speed in the truck chase scenes?

Accepted Answer

The truck was actually driven at no more than 30 mph. Spielberg used a camera car from Bullitt (1968) that could lower the camera to six inches off the ground and filmed against cliff backgrounds to create the speed illusion.

Question 4

What detail about the truck suggested the driver might be a serial killer according to Spielberg?

Accepted Answer

Spielberg said the multiple license plates on the truck's front bumper suggested the driver "ran down other drivers in other states," implying he was a serial killer.

Question 5

Which festivals has Duel been featured at?

Accepted Answer

Duel was featured at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2015 and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2001.

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Duel

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