Author Archives: Mark DuPré

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About Mark DuPré

Retired (associate) pastor at a Christian church. Retired film professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. Husband for nearly 50 years to the lovely and talented Diane. Father to three children and father-in-law to three more amazing people. I continue some ministry duties even though retired from the pastoral staff position. Right now I'm co-writing a book, co-writing a serious musical drama, and am half-way through writing (on my own a month-long devotional.

2014 Oscar Report–First Thoughts

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Mark DuPré

The good news is that most of my personal choices won. The bad news is that while best friend Clint and I did great on our Oscar pool, another guy did better. Oh, well. The show, as always, was too … Continue reading →

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2014 Final Oscar Predictions

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Mark DuPré

With HUGE ASSISTANCE from knowledgeable best friend Clint Morgan Best Picture Should win: 12 Years a Slave Will Win: 12 Years a Slave Still Could Be: Gravity Best Director Should win: either Steve McQueen for 12 Years a Slave or … Continue reading →

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August: Osage County

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Mark DuPré

August: Osage County, a terribly named film based on the slightly less poorly named play of the same name, recalls American Hustle. It overflows with talented actors acting up a storm in a cinematic structure that can’t contain them. Except … Continue reading →

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Five More Supporting Performances that Don’t Get the Attention They Deserve

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Mark DuPré

A while ago, I took a side road for a moment to pay tribute to five underrated performances: Rhys Ifans in Notting Hill Carey Mulligan in Bleak House Anna Faris in Just Friends Madame Konstantin in Notorious Delores Gray in … Continue reading →

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2014 Early Oscar Predictions

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Early Oscar Predictions (just to get the dialog going) I don’t think this year’s crop of Oscar winners are all that hard to predict. But there are always surprises. Here are my early, un-researched thoughts on a few of the … Continue reading →

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Second Thoughts and Two Laments: Philip Seymour Hoffman and “Alone Yet Not Alone”

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Philip Seymour Hoffman I awoke Sunday morning happy to be a Rochesterian. Our own Renee Fleming was going to be singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, and we were all basking in that reflected glory. Then the news … Continue reading →

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Nebraska

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Nebraska tells the story of an old man, Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), wanting to get from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska to claim the so-called million-dollar prize he thinks he has won in the mail in one of those magazine … Continue reading →

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12 Years a Slave

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Simply put, 12 Years a Slave is the best film of the year, for a myriad of reasons. I’m even more impressed after the second viewing. It’s beautifully shot, with nearly pitch-perfect acting, and a rhythm all its own. Perhaps … Continue reading →

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2014 Oscar Noms: Scattered Thoughts

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Mark DuPré

All the speculation is over. The Oscar nominations are in, and the shocked, shocked reactions and harrumphs are being expressed all over the media and blogosphere. Here are mine: This was a fairly predictable year for nominations, and happily, an … Continue reading →

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Diary of a Country Priest (French, 1951)

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Mark DuPré

I tell my film students to give themselves over to whatever film they’re watching; let the film draw you into its world and take you for whatever ride it wants. Perhaps no film is more challenging for a modern audience … Continue reading →

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