"Duel" (1971)

 Directed by a young Steven Spielberg in his feature-length debut, "Duel" is a gripping suspense thriller that follows David Mann, a mild-mannered salesman played by Dennis Weaver, as he finds himself relentlessly pursued by a mysterious and malevolent tanker truck driver on a desolate desert highway.

"Duel" is celebrated for its taut direction, heart-pounding tension, and minimalist storytelling. With its simple premise and sparse dialogue, Spielberg masterfully builds suspense and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as Mann's harrowing journey escalates into a deadly game of cat and mouse with his unseen adversary.

Shot on a shoestring budget yet showcasing Spielberg's innate talent for visual storytelling, "Duel" is a testament to the power of cinema to evoke fear and excitement with little more than a relentless pursuit and a sense of impending doom. The iconic tanker truck, looming ominously in the rearview mirror, has become a symbol of primal fear and uncertainty, making "Duel" a timeless classic of suspense cinema.

Whether you're a fan of thrillers or a cinephile seeking a masterclass in tension-building, "Duel" promises a nerve-wracking journey into the heart of darkness on the open road.