The railroad scene from the film Duel uses a lot of unique camera techniques and continuity editing that assist the viewer’s temporal and spatial awareness, and helps to build tension. The 180-degree rule is used throughout the scene as we watch how the car and truck are consistently oriented on the screen. The truck is always pushing the car towards the left, which helps the audience understand the direction of movement and the spatial relationship between the vehicles. Match-on-action editing ensures fluidity as the truck gradually pushes Mann’s car toward the passing train, making every movement seamless and heightening the sense of real-time danger. Eyeline matches are also used effectively, cutting between Mann’s terrified gaze and the truck behind him, allowing viewers to share his growing panic. As the train moves down the tracks, Spielberg alternates between shots of the train and the car being pushed. This cross-cutting heightens the suspense as the audience anticipates a potential collision. The careful continuity editing ensures that the spatial and temporal relationships are clear, making the tension even more palpable. Time is manipulated through this editing, prolonging the moment of danger through quick cuts between the various subjects
and keeping the audience on edge until David eventually escapes.