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.

Take Shelter

Take Shelter is a horror film. Or an end-of-the-world film. Or a family drama. Or a study of the ravages of mental illness on a man and his family. Or all four. Or not. If it weren’t for that ending, … Continue reading

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50/50

A well-acted, beautifully written small picture. It’s a dramatic comedy about a young man who has a 50/50 chance of beating cancer—based on the real-life journey of screenwriter Will Reiser. It’s on the scale of a Woody Allen movie, and … Continue reading

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Hugo

Entrancing, enthralling, visually stunning. A cinematic paean to the magic of movies. A film history lesson and a cry for preservation from film’s most famous preservation advocate. There is nothing out there quite like it. What’s good: the look. It … Continue reading

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Courageous

I have to completely let go of my professor/film critic hat when I talk about this movie. That’s OK, and it’s not just because I am a Christian or that I have a little (tiny, actually) connection with one of … Continue reading

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Casablanca

A must-see for too many reasons to count. Yes, it was a surprise hit, striking America’s war-weary heart in the middle of the Second World War. Yes, it won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. And of course … Continue reading

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Road to Perdition

One my film class films. Actually, it’s the first one I show. It’s slower-moving than most films, which is one reason I show it. I want the students to focus on what they are SEEING. The film, which deservedly won … Continue reading

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The Muppets

A rare delight. Perfect for families, and witty and fun for adults—the kind of “movie they don’t make anymore.” I wasn’t a Muppet fan, though I had nothing against them. So I went in with no feelings for or against … Continue reading

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J. Edgar

Ultimately, J. Edgar doesn’t work. Beautiful to look at, as are most of Eastwood’s films. And the acting is generally good. But there is a perspective conflict between the director and the screenwriter, and a conflict over which story is … Continue reading

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Abortion and the Film Image

Note: The author is pro-life, and isn’t trying to hide it. However, that stance takes nothing away from the deeply insightful article that follows! Abortion and the Film Image There are a number of fronts in the abortion battle—whether you’re … Continue reading

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Singin’ and dancin’ with Kelly and Donen

CREATIVE CONFLUENCE The Gene Kelly/Stanley Donen Musicals           By Mark DuPré                   Table of Contents Introduction Prelude The Early Films   For Me and My Gal   Thousands … Continue reading

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