Buckle up for a pulse-pounding ride through the desert where survival is the ultimate prize.
Watch the original version of Duel
Prologue:
The California desert is a desolate and dangerous place. The scorching sun beats down on the barren landscape, and the stifling heat can drive even the most well-prepared traveler to madness. It’s a place where anything can happen – and often does.
For David Mann, a traveling businessman, the desert is just another obstacle on his way to his destination. He’s used to dealing with the harsh terrain and the unpredictable weather, but he’s not prepared for the danger that lurks on the road ahead.
As he sets off on his journey, David is oblivious to the fate that awaits him. Little does he know that a simple trip will turn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, as he struggles to stay on the road while a rusty tanker truck plays with his life.
Chapter 1:
David Mann had done this route countless times before. He knew every turn, every pothole, and every stop along the way. He was a seasoned traveler, and he prided himself on his ability to navigate the treacherous roads of the California desert.
As he drove his trusty red Plymouth Valiant down the two-lane highway, David felt a familiar sense of calm wash over him. The desert landscape stretched out before him, vast and endless, but he knew that he was in control.
But that feeling of control was short-lived.
As he rounded a bend in the road, David caught sight of a rusty old tanker truck that seemed to be tailing him. At first, he didn’t think much of it – after all, there were plenty of trucks on the road. But as he continued on his route, he began to notice something strange.
The tanker truck seemed to be getting closer and closer, and its driver was driving recklessly and dangerously. At first, David tried to shake him off, but the tanker was persistent, and it soon became clear that he was being targeted.
David’s heart began to race as the tanker driver started to harass him. The driver swerved in and out of his lane, honked his horn relentlessly, and even tried to run him off the road. David felt a surge of anger and fear, but he tried to keep his cool.
He knew that he couldn’t let the tanker driver get the best of him. He was a professional, a successful businessman, and he refused to be intimidated by some crazed truck driver. He challenged the driver to pass him, but the tanker stayed right on his tail.
David’s frustration began to turn to panic as the tanker driver continued to taunt him. He tried to speed up, but the tanker matched his every move. He tried to slow down, but the tanker wouldn’t let him.
And then, just when David thought he couldn’t take it anymore, the tanker driver made his move. He rammed into the back of David’s car, sending him careening off the road and into a ditch.
David was dazed and disoriented as he struggled to regain his bearings. His car was badly damaged, and he was trapped inside. He could see the tanker truck in his rearview mirror, taunting him with its horn and flashing its lights.
It was clear that the tanker driver wasn’t going to let him go without a fight.
David realized with a sinking feeling that he was in trouble. He was alone, stranded in the middle of the desert, with no one to help him. He knew that he had to think fast if he wanted to survive.
As he assessed his situation, David knew that he had two options: stay and fight, or run for his life. He knew that the tanker driver was crazed and unpredictable, and he knew that he had to be careful.
But David Mann was no coward. He was determined to stand his ground, no matter what. He took a deep breath, steeled himself for what was to come, and prepared to face his enemy head-on.
Chapter 2: The Pursuit
David Mann gripped the steering wheel tightly as he sped down the highway. His heart pounding in his chest, he stole a glance in his rearview mirror and saw the rusted tanker truck still following him. The driver behind the wheel of the tanker was hunched over the wheel, his face obscured by shadows.
David couldn’t shake the feeling that the tanker driver was out to get him. Every time he looked in his rearview mirror, the rusty truck was closer. The driver was honking his horn and flashing his headlights, taunting David to go faster.
David tried to take his mind off his pursuer by turning up the radio, but the tanker driver blasted his horn louder. The sound was deafening, and David could feel the vibrations in the car. David was getting more and more agitated by this and eventually, he got fed up with the driver.
He slammed on the brakes and brought his car to a sudden halt. The tanker truck screeched to a halt just inches behind him, causing David’s heart to leap into his throat.
The driver rolled down his window and shouted something inaudible at David. His face was still hidden in the shadows, and David couldn’t make out any features. The truck driver then sped off, leaving David alone on the deserted highway.
David breathed a sigh of relief but knew that it wouldn’t last long. He had a feeling that the tanker driver wasn’t finished with him yet. He put the car into gear and accelerated. He hoped that he could put some distance between him and the tanker before it caught up again.
But it was a futile effort. No matter how fast he drove, the tanker was always close behind. David began to panic, fearing for his life. He had no idea what the tanker driver wanted from him, and he didn’t know how to stop him.
As he approached a winding road, David knew that he had to make a decision. He could either continue to flee from the tanker or try to confront the driver. He chose the latter, knowing that he couldn’t run forever.
David slowed down and let the tanker truck overtake him. The driver pulled alongside him and rolled down his window. David saw that the driver was a middle-aged man, with a lined face and a scruffy beard. The man grinned at him and winked.
David’s fear turned to anger. He had had enough of this game. He gunned the engine and pulled ahead of the tanker. He thought that he had finally outsmarted his pursuer and had left him behind.
But he was wrong. The tanker driver was relentless. The chase continued, with the driver now as determined as ever to catch David. David was forced to swerve and veer off the road as the tanker came dangerously close to his car.
David began to lose control of his car as he skidded along the road. The tanker truck was blocking his path, and David had no choice but to try to maneuver around it. He took a sharp turn, hoping to lose the tanker, but the driver was too skilled.
The tanker truck slammed into David’s car, causing it to spin out of control. David’s car crashed into a ditch, and he was thrown from the vehicle, hitting his head on a rock.
When he came to, he saw the tanker driver standing over him, a sinister smile on his face. David knew then that the chase was far from over, and he was in serious trouble.
Chapter 3: The Ambush
David’s heart was pounding as he pulled into the roadside diner, desperate to lose his pursuer. The tanker truck had been following him for hours, and David was starting to feel like he was in a real-life horror movie.
He sat in the booth, his hands shaking as he ordered a cup of coffee. The place was empty, the only other person there a grizzled old man behind the bar.
David tried to calm himself, telling himself that the truck was just playing games. But as he sipped his coffee, he saw the tanker pull up outside.
He froze, his eyes locked on the truck as it idled outside the diner. Fear gripped him as he realized that he was trapped, with nowhere to run and no one to turn to.
The sound of the truck’s engine grew louder as it pulled up to the front of the diner. David watched in horror as the driver got out and walked toward the door.
He was a massive man, with broad shoulders and a thick neck. He wore a dirty white t-shirt and jeans, his boots thudding against the pavement.
David tried to blend in, hoping the driver wouldn’t notice him. But the man’s eyes darted around the diner, and he spotted David hiding behind the booth.
“Hey there, partner,” the driver said, his voice rough and menacing. “Looks like we got ourselves a little situation here.”
David tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. He felt like a helpless child, trapped with a monster.
The driver sauntered over to him, his face twisted into a cruel grin. “I don’t like it when people mess with me,” he said. “And you’ve been messing with me all day.”
David’s mind raced as he tried to come up with a plan. He knew he couldn’t fight the driver, but he couldn’t just sit there and wait for him to make his move.
He looked around the diner, searching for a weapon or an escape route. But there was nothing, just a table and a few dusty knick-knacks.
The driver towered over him, his eyes glinting with malice. “You got nowhere to go, son,” he said. “So why don’t you just come with me and we’ll sort this out.”
David knew he had to act fast. He pushed himself up from the booth, ready to make a run for it.
But the driver was faster. He grabbed David by the collar and pulled him close, his breath hot against David’s face.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he growled. “I’ve got plans for you.”
David struggled, but the driver was too strong. He dragged David toward the door, his grip like a vise.
David’s mind raced as he tried to come up with a way out. He knew the driver was going to kill him, and he couldn’t let that happen.
As they stepped out into the daylight, David saw his chance. He kicked the driver in the knee, sending him tumbling to the ground.
David took off running, his adrenaline pumping as he sprinted toward his car. He could hear the driver chasing him, his boots pounding against the pavement.
David made it to his car and jumped in, slamming the door behind him. He fumbled with the keys, trying to start the engine.
But the driver was too fast. He grabbed the door handle and yanked it open, sending David sprawling onto the pavement.
David scrambled to his feet, ready to fight. But the driver was too strong. He grabbed David by the throat and lifted him off the ground.
David gasped for air, his eyes bulging with fear. He knew he was going to die, and there was nothing he could do about it.
But then, in a moment of unexpected bravery, David struck out with a fury he didn’t know he possessed.
He kicked the driver in the groin, sending him staggering backward. David took a step back, breathing heavily as he prepared himself for the final showdown.
Chapter 4: The Escape
David Mann was beginning to feel the weight of the situation bearing down on him. The tanker truck had been following him for hours now, no matter which turn he took or how fast he went. David was lost in the desert, with no civilization in sight and no hope of help. He was running low on gas and the heat was unbearable.
He scanned the horizon, hoping to see something, anything that could offer a way out of this nightmare. But there was only endless sand, stretching out in all directions. David’s stomach sank as he realized that he was completely alone with his pursuer.
“Come on, come on!” David muttered, urging his car to go faster. But the old sedan was straining under the intense pressure of the chase, and David knew it was only a matter of time before the tank truck would catch up with him.
Suddenly, David spotted a glimmer of hope in the distance. There, on the horizon, was a tiny speck of civilization. A small gas station, barely visible in the distance. David’s heart leapt with joy as he realized that he might finally be able to escape the tanker truck.
He pressed down harder on the gas pedal, hoping to make it to the station before the truck caught up with him. Sweat was pouring down his face, stinging his eyes. His palms were slick with sweat as he fought to keep control of the car.
The gas station grew larger and more defined as David approached it. He could see the sign now, proclaiming the station’s name in bold letters. “Oasis.” David breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled up to the pumps, hoping that the truck driver would lose sight of him.
He leapt out of the car and approached the station attendants, trying to keep his composure. “Can I get some gas, please?” he asked, his voice shaking with fear.
The attendants nodded and began filling up his tank. David could hear the faint hum of the tanker truck’s engine in the distance, growing closer by the minute. He knew he had to get out of there fast.
As the attendants finished up and David went inside to pay, he noticed something odd. The truck driver was nowhere to be seen. There was no sign of him in the truck or around the station. David felt a spark of hope that maybe he had finally lost his pursuer.
But as he stepped back outside, he saw the truck barreling down the road towards him. David panicked, jumping back into his car and screeching away from the station. The tanker truck followed him, its horn blaring loudly.
David was desperate to lose the truck, but he was quickly running out of options. He had to think of something fast. Suddenly, he had an idea.
He swerved off the road and onto a rocky dirt path, hoping that the tanker truck would not be able to follow him. To his relief, he heard the truck grinding to a halt behind him, unable to navigate the uneven terrain.
David breathed a sigh of relief as he looked back at the tanker, which was now stuck in the rocks. He was free at last.
But as he began to drive away, he heard the truck’s engine revving. Suddenly, the tanker lurched forward, tearing free from the rocks and beginning to chase him once more.
David’s heart sank as he realized that his plan had failed. But he refused to give up. He drove faster and faster, hoping to outrun the truck once and for all.
As he raced through the desert, David’s mind raced with questions. Who was this truck driver, and why was he targeting him? Did he have a personal vendetta against him, or was there something more sinister at play?
David knew he had to find out the truth, no matter what it cost him. But for now, his only priority was escape. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, sweat pouring down his face as he barreled through the desert, the tanker truck hot on his tail.
Chapter 5: The Betrayal
David Mann was grateful for the help of his fellow driver, Bart, a friendly and seemingly trustworthy man who had offered to lead him through some back roads to avoid the tanker truck that had been tailing him for hours. But as he followed Bart’s car, David began to notice some strange things. Bart kept looking back at him with a guarded expression, and he had taken some turns that seemed to be leading them deeper into the desert.
David’s suspicions were confirmed when he saw the tanker truck appear up ahead, blocking their way. Bart’s car pulled up alongside the truck, and David braced himself for the worst.
He was not disappointed. Bart leaned out of his car and shouted to the tanker driver, who responded with a sinister smile. David could tell that they were working together.
“What the hell is going on?” David yelled to Bart.
Bart looked at him nervously. “I’m sorry, David. I needed the money.”
David was stunned. “What money?”
Bart hesitated, then blurted out, “The tanker driver paid me to lead you out here. He said he’d kill me if I didn’t do it.”
David couldn’t believe it. He had trusted Bart, and now he had been betrayed. But he had no time to dwell on it. The tanker driver was revving his engine, ready to continue the chase.
David quickly assessed his options. He could try to fight his way out, but he was outnumbered and outgunned. He could try to run, but he didn’t know the area and the tanker was too fast.
No, the only option was to outsmart them. David looked around and spotted a small dirt road leading off to the side. It looked like it might take him to a nearby town or gas station.
Without hesitation, David slammed on the gas and turned down the dirt road. He could hear the tanker behind him, but it was struggling to maneuver on the rough terrain. David checked his mirror and saw that Bart’s car was nowhere in sight.
He drove as fast as he could, dodging rocks and ditches, hoping that the road would lead him to safety. After what seemed like an eternity, David finally saw some buildings up ahead. It was a gas station.
David pulled up to the pumps and breathed a sigh of relief. He had made it. He got out of his car and looked around, but there was no sign of the tanker or Bart’s car.
David knew that he couldn’t stay there for long. He had to keep moving. He quickly filled up his car and paid the attendant, then hit the road again.
As he drove away, David couldn’t help but think about Bart’s betrayal. He had trusted him, and now he had paid the price.
But there was no time for regret. The tanker was still out there, and it was only a matter of time before it caught up to him. David knew that he had to stay one step ahead if he wanted to survive.
With a heavy heart, David pressed on, hoping that he would find a way out of this deadly game. But deep down, he knew that the only way out was to face his enemy head-on, in a final showdown that would determine who would emerge victorious.
Chapter 6: The Standoff
David Mann had never been in a situation like this before. He was stranded in the middle of the desert, being pursued by a maniacal truck driver who seemed to have a vendetta against him. And to make matters worse, his only ally in this fight had turned out to be a traitor.
As he stood on the side of the road, watching the tanker approaching in the distance, David couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread wash over him. He had no weapons, no backup, and no plan. All he had was his wits and his determination to survive.
The tanker pulled up alongside him, and the driver honked the horn. “Well, well, well,” he sneered. “Looks like you’re in quite a pickle, Mr. Mann. Don’t worry, we’ll make it quick.”
David clenched his fists, trying to think of a way out of this. Suddenly, he remembered something he had learned in his self-defense class. He took a deep breath, steadied his nerves, and prepared himself for what was about to come.
As the tanker driver climbed out of his vehicle, David launched himself at him. He landed a solid punch squarely on the driver’s jaw, causing him to stumble back. David followed up with a knee to the gut, knocking the wind out of him.
But before David could do any more damage, he heard a gunshot. He whirled around, only to see his former ally aiming a pistol at him.
“You really thought I was on your side, didn’t you?” the man said with a smirk. “Sorry, buddy. This is business.”
David’s heart sank. He had been betrayed again. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to survive.
He quickly scanned his surroundings, looking for anything he could use as a weapon. He spotted a tire iron lying on the ground, left behind by some long-forgotten car. Without hesitation, he picked it up and swung it at his attacker.
The blow connected with the man’s shoulder, causing him to drop the gun. David lunged for it, his heart pounding in his chest. He managed to grab the weapon, but before he could take aim, he heard a gunshot.
Pain exploded in his left arm, and he let out a cry of agony. He looked down to see blood oozing from a wound in his bicep. The traitor had managed to shoot him before David could get the gun.
David fell to his knees, clutching his injured arm. He was helpless, vulnerable, and almost certain that he was about to die.
But then something unexpected happened. The tanker driver started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” David demanded, through gritted teeth.
“You really don’t get it, do you?” the driver said, still chuckling. “We were never going to kill you. We just wanted to scare you, to make you think you were in danger. That’s all.”
David stared at him, incredulous. “What?”
The driver shrugged. “It’s just a little game we play. It keeps things interesting out here in the desert. But don’t worry, you’re not really in danger. We’ll let you go now. You can tell all your friends about our little encounter, make it sound as exciting as you want. It’s all good publicity for us.”
David blinked, still trying to process what the man was saying. Was this really just a game? Had he been terrified for no reason?
As the tanker driver climbed back into his vehicle and drove away, David sat there in shock. He realized that he had been played, that he had fallen for a sick joke. But even though he had been duped, he was grateful to be alive.
He stumbled to his feet, feeling weak and dizzy. He knew he had to get help, to find a hospital or a police station or something.
He started walking, his mind racing. He wondered how much of what had just happened was real, and how much was just a sick, twisted fantasy. He wondered who these people were, and why they had targeted him.
And he wondered if he would ever be able to forget this ordeal, if it would haunt him for the rest of his life.
As he limped down the road, David knew one thing for sure. He had survived, against all odds. And he would do whatever it took to make sure he never ended up in a situation like this again.
Chapter 7: The Confrontation
David Mann’s heart was pounding as he stared down the driver of the menacing tanker truck. They had been playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse for hours, and David was determined to put an end to it once and for all.
“Why are you doing this?” David shouted, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. “What do you want from me?”
The driver of the truck remained silent, his face hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. David had never seen his eyes, and that only added to his fear and uncertainty.
“I’m not going to run anymore,” David said, trying to keep his voice steady. “I’m going to face you, and we’re going to settle this.”
The driver of the truck didn’t respond, but David could tell he was sizing him up, weighing his options. David knew he was at a disadvantage; he was alone, unarmed, and facing a much larger and more powerful adversary.
But he refused to back down. He had come too far, endured too much, to let this madman get the best of him.
Suddenly, the truck surged forward, its massive engine roaring to life. David stumbled backward, barely managing to keep his footing. He could feel the heat of the engine, the sound of the exhaust, the rattle of the tires on the road.
It was a terrifying and exhilarating sensation, and David knew that this was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the moment that would determine his fate.
He took a deep breath and ran toward the truck, leaping onto the hood. He could feel the metal vibrating beneath him, the wind whipping past his face.
He scrambled to the top of the cab, where the driver was waiting for him. The man reached out to grab him, but David was too quick. He dodged the outstretched hand and landed a powerful punch to the driver’s chest.
The driver grunted in pain and staggered backward, but he didn’t fall. He regained his balance and lunged at David, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him forward.
David struggled to break free, but the driver was too strong. He could feel the man’s hot breath on his face, could smell the gasoline and oil on his clothes.
For a moment, they both teetered on the edge of the cab, their fate hanging in the balance.
Then, suddenly, the driver lost his grip. He stumbled backward and fell off the truck, landing on the pavement with a sickening thud.
David scrambled to his feet and peered over the edge of the cab. The driver was lying motionless on the ground, his sunglasses askew.
David hesitated for a moment, then climbed down from the truck. He approached the driver cautiously, unsure if he was still alive.
As he drew closer, he could see that the man was breathing, but barely. He was bleeding from a deep gash on his forehead, and his chest was rising and falling in jagged gasps.
David knew he needed to act fast if he was going to save the man’s life. He frantically searched the cab and found a first-aid kit. He used the supplies to staunch the bleeding and stabilize the man’s breathing.
After what felt like an eternity, the ambulance finally arrived. They loaded the driver onto a stretcher and rushed him to the hospital.
David watched as the truck disappeared into the night. He felt a sense of relief and triumph, but also a pang of regret. He knew that he had won the battle, but at what cost?
He climbed into his car and drove away, his mind buzzing with thoughts and emotions. He knew that he would never forget this night, never forget the fear and the adrenaline and the sense of triumph.
As he drove off into the darkness, David knew that he had emerged from the ordeal stronger and wiser. He had faced his fears, overcome his adversary, and lived to tell the tale.
And for that, he was grateful.
Chapter 8: The Showdown
David’s heart was pounding in his chest as he faced off against the tanker driver. He knew that this was the moment of truth, the final showdown that would determine his fate. The driver was a formidable opponent, but David was determined to come out on top.
They circled each other warily, eyeing each other up and down. The driver wore a sinister grin, his eyes hidden behind a pair of dark shades. David could feel the sweat trickling down his back, his nerves frayed to the breaking point.
The tanker driver made the first move, lunging at David with a savage kick. David dodged the blow easily, then followed up with a quick jab to the driver’s gut. The driver grunted in pain, but recovered quickly, coming at David with a flurry of punches.
For a moment, it looked as if the driver had the upper hand. He was quicker, more agile, and seemed to have an endless supply of energy. But David was no slouch, and he fought back with everything he had.
Their fists were a blur, their bodies moving so fast that it was hard to keep up. David was bruised and battered, but he refused to give up. He kept coming at the driver, landing blow after blow.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the driver stumbled back, dazed. David saw his chance and lunged forward, delivering a crushing uppercut that sent the driver sprawling to the ground.
For a moment, there was silence. David stood over the fallen driver, panting and wild-eyed. He could hardly believe that he had won, that he had survived.
But then he heard a strange noise, a low rumbling sound. He looked up and saw that the tanker was starting to move, its engine revving ominously. David realized with a sickening feeling that the driver had activated some kind of autopilot, and the truck was now barreling towards him at full speed.
Without hesitation, David turned and ran. He bolted across the desert, his feet pounding the hot sand. He could hear the tanker behind him, roaring like a beast.
He didn’t know how long he ran, or how far. All he knew was that he had to keep moving, that he had to stay ahead of the tanker.
Finally, he saw a glimmer of hope in the distance. It was a small town, with a gas station and a few buildings. He sprinted towards it, his heart in his throat.
As he reached the town, he saw a group of people gathered outside the gas station. They were staring at him in shock, mouths agape.
David stumbled towards them, gasping for breath. “Help,” he managed to croak out. “Please. The tanker. It’s after me.”
The crowd sprang into action, calling for the police and trying to help David as best they could. But even as they worked, they could hear the sound of the tanker in the distance, getting closer and closer.
David braced himself, ready for the worst. But just as it seemed like the tanker was about to crush him, it suddenly swerved off the road and crashed into a nearby building.
David looked on in horror as the tanker exploded in a shower of fire and debris. He could hardly believe that he had survived, that he had made it through the grueling ordeal.
As the fire raged on, David looked around at the group of people who had saved him. He felt a deep sense of gratitude towards them, a profound sense of kinship.
But he also knew that he would never forget the terror he had experienced, the fear that had gripped him in the desert. He knew that he would always be haunted by the memory of the tanker, the eerie, menacing presence that had pursued him for so long.
But for now, he was alive, and that was all that mattered. As he stood there, watching the flames die down, he knew that he had just faced the biggest challenge of his life, and come out the other side.
Some scenes from the movie Duel written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
David Mann – A traveling businessman who is on a routine business trip that turns deadly when he angers the driver of a rusty tanker truck
The Truck Driver – A mysterious, taunting man who seems to be pursuing David with a vengeance
Setting: The California desert
Dialogues:
David Mann: “What’s your problem? Why are you doing this?”
The Truck Driver: “You’re in my way. I don’t like being slowed down.”
Scene 1:
FADE IN:
EXT. CALIFORNIA DESERT – DAY
We see a long stretch of deserted road that winds through the barren landscape.
CUT TO:
INT. DAVID MANN’S CAR – DAY
We see David Mann (early 30s) at the wheel of his car, driving down the road. He checks his watch and adjusts the radio. Suddenly, a loud honking sound startles him. He looks in his mirror and sees a massive tanker truck bearing down on him from behind.
David Mann: (muttering to himself) “What the hell?”
The truck driver honks the horn again, and David begins to speed up, trying to get away from the aggressive driver. But the truck keeps coming, pushing David to the edge of the road.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE TANKER TRUCK – DAY
We see the driver (mid-40s) of the tanker truck with a stoic expression on his face. He continues to tailgate David and honk the horn.
CUT TO:
INT. DAVID MANN’S CAR – DAY
David glances nervously at the truck in his rearview mirror and tries to keep his composure.
David Mann: (to himself) “Just ignore him. He’ll go away.”
The truck driver suddenly pulls up alongside David and begins to swerve, trying to force David off the road.
David Mann: (shouting) “What’s your problem? Why are you doing this?”
The truck driver only smirks and continues to taunt David.
CUT TO:
EXT. CALIFORNIA DESERT – DAY
The two vehicles speed down the road, leaving behind a trail of dust and debris.
FADE OUT.
END SCENE.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. CALIFORNIA DESERT – DAY
DAVID MANN, a middle-aged traveling businessman, drives his car down a long empty road. Suddenly, a rusty tanker truck appears behind him, blaring its horn. David swerves to avoid it, but the truck continues to harass him.
INT. DAVID’S CAR – DAY
David tries to calm himself down as he speaks on the phone with his wife.
DAVID
(excitedly)
Honey, you won’t believe the maniac on the road. This guy is trying to kill me.
WIFE (V.O.)
(worriedly)
What? Who’s trying to hurt you?
DAVID
Some lunatic in a tanker truck. He’s been following me for miles.
Suddenly, the tanker truck speeds past him, almost causing an accident. David tries to give chase, but the truck disappears into the distance.
INT. TANKER TRUCK – DAY
We see the driver’s gloved hand on the steering wheel as he watches David through the side mirror.
DRIVER
(smiling)
You won’t get away that easily, my friend.
EXT. ABANDONED GAS STATION – DAY
David pulls over at an abandoned gas station. He checks his car for damage and takes a moment to catch his breath.
Suddenly, the tanker truck appears in the distance, heading straight for him. David jumps back into his car and speeds off.
INT. DAVID’S CAR – DAY
David tries to compose himself as he speaks frantically to the police on the phone.
DAVID
(breathlessly)
Please, you have to help me. There’s a maniac on the road, and he’s trying to kill me.
Police DISPATCHER (V.O.)
(calmly)
Sir, we’re tracking your location. Just keep driving, and we’ll send someone to help you.
Suddenly, the tanker truck appears in his rearview mirror, causing David to swerve off the road.
INT. TANKER TRUCK – DAY
The driver watches David through the side mirror as he laughs maniacally.
DRIVER
(to himself)
You can run, but you can’t hide.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
Characters:
1. David Mann, a traveling businessman
2. The truck driver, a mysterious and menacing figure
Setting: The California desert
Dialogue:
David: What do you want from me?
Truck driver: You’re in my way.
INT. ROADSIDE DINER – DAY
David pulls his car up to the diner and quickly exits the vehicle. He rushes inside and heads for the back, looking for a way out. The diner is empty except for the cook, who looks up from the grill.
Cook: Can I help you?
David: Is there a back door?
Cook: Yeah, but it’s locked.
David rushes to the door and pulls on the handle, but it won’t budge. He turns to face the truck driver, who has pulled up outside the diner and is staring at him through the windows.
Truck driver: You can’t hide from me.
David: Leave me alone!
David grabs a knife from the counter and backs up against the wall. The truck driver enters the diner and slowly approaches him.
Truck driver: You shouldn’t have crossed me.
David: I didn’t do anything!
The truck driver lunges at David, and they engage in a brutal fight. David manages to land a few blows, but the truck driver is too strong. He pins David to the ground and prepares to strike him with a tire iron.
Just as the truck driver is about to deliver the fatal blow, the cook grabs a frying pan from the grill and smashes it over his head. The truck driver falls to the ground, unconscious.
David and the cook quickly escape through the back door and run towards David’s car. The tanker comes crashing into the diner, destroying everything in its path.
David and the cook get into the car and speed away, leaving the tanker behind. They look back to see the tanker driver emerging from the wreckage, his face contorted with rage.
David: We have to keep moving.
The cook nods in agreement, and they continue on their journey through the desert, unsure of what lies ahead.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 4
EXT. DESERT ROAD – DAY
David Mann drives furiously down the dusty road, maneuvering his car in an attempt to lose the tanker truck that’s been chasing him for miles. He glances into his rearview mirror and sees the truck getting closer.
DAVID:
(to himself)
Come on, come on, lose him…
Suddenly, the tanker truck swerves in front of him, forcing David to slam on the brakes. He swerves onto the shoulder, barely avoiding a collision.
DAVID:
(to himself)
What the hell?
He looks up to see the driver of the tanker truck emerge from the cab.
DAVID:
(to the driver)
What do you want from me?
TANKER DRIVER:
(smiling)
Just a little bit of fun. You’re not going to get away that easily.
David quickly shifts his car into reverse and speeds away, but the tanker truck is right behind him. He takes a sharp right turn, hoping to lose the truck, but it follows him around the corner.
DAVID:
(to himself)
This guy is relentless.
He speeds down another winding road, the tanker truck still in tow. As he approaches a narrow bridge, David takes a deep breath and floors it, just as the tanker truck bears down on him.
The truck grinds to a halt, its momentum carrying it over the edge of the bridge and into the ravine below.
David looks back in disbelief as he speeds away, the sound of the tanker truck crashing echoing in his ears.
DAVID:
(to himself)
That was too close. Time to get out of here.
He drives down the road, the sun beating down on his car as he puts all his energy into escaping the dangers that lie in wait.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. DESERT HIGHWAY – DAY
DAVID MANN, a traveling salesman, is driving his car on a lonely desert highway. Suddenly, a menacing TANKER TRUCK appears behind him, honking furiously. David tries to speed up, but the truck continues to tailgate him dangerously.
DAVID
(to himself)
What the hell is your problem?
The truck driver honks again, flashing his lights. David tries to ignore him, but the truck continues to harass him.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROADSIDE DINER – DAY
David pulls into a roadside diner, hoping to shake off his pursuer. He gets out of his car, looking around nervously. Suddenly, a TRUCK DRIVER approaches him.
TRUCK DRIVER
(suspiciously)
What’s your problem, buddy?
DAVID
(pointing at the tanker)
That truck’s been following me for miles.
TRUCK DRIVER
(hesitantly)
I know who you’re talking about.
David looks at him, confused.
TRUCK DRIVER
(continuing)
I used to drive for that company. They’re not exactly what you’d call friendly.
David realizes that he’s stumbled onto something bigger than road rage.
DAVID
(skeptical)
What do you mean?
TRUCK DRIVER
(whispering)
They’re smuggling something. And they don’t want anyone to know about it.
David looks at him, intrigued.
DAVID
(whispering)
What can I do to stop them?
TRUCK DRIVER
(gravely)
Meet me behind the diner at midnight. I’ll tell you everything.
David nods, and the truck driver walks away.
CUT TO:
EXT. DESERT HIGHWAY – NIGHT
David drives out into the desert, nervous and unsure. He parks his car and waits for the truck driver to arrive. Suddenly, he hears a sound behind him. He turns around, but it’s too late – the truck driver has a gun pointed at his head.
TRUCK DRIVER
(sneering)
You thought you were so clever, didn’t you? But you’re just a pawn in our game.
David tries to reason with him, but the truck driver is beyond persuasion. It’s clear that he has no intention of letting David live.
DAVID
(desperate)
Please, don’t do this.
TRUCK DRIVER
(laughing)
It’s too late for that, buddy.
Suddenly, the tanker truck appears out of nowhere, and David realizes that he’s been set up. The truck driver laughs triumphantly, and David prepares to fight for his life.
FADE OUT.
