Often overlooked character road movie from Spielberg that displayed
an early deft touch for characterisation many considered wasted in
future efforts. Goldie Hawn and William Atherton are on the lam through
the southern USA, the posse chasing their battered car growing in size
and stature as they race toward the unavoidable showdown. Hawn is
delightfully spiky and charming, while Atherton is suitably hapless
and destined to go down. After the pumping visuals of Duel, this was more
cliched “70s” from Spielberg, with its unhappy ending and piquancy
reflecting America's flailing self-belief.
