Cast
View AllSarah Smyth
as Alice Polesky
Steven Weber
as Terry Polesky
Allison Hossack
as Dr. Angela
Kendall Cross
as Bethany Polesky
April Telek
as Cami
Martin Cummins
as Javier
Primo Allon
as Bryan
Jay Brazeau
as Dr. Jamison
Jakob Davies
as Troy
Alf Humphreys
as Joe
Broadus Mattison
as Fellow Marine
Juan Riedinger
as Manny
Jesse Moss
as Matt
Nels Lennarson
as Dennis
Reese Alexander
as Physical Therapist
Crew
Director
- Mark Jean
Writer
- Michael J. Murray
Producer
- Harvey Kahn
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Dog Named Duke examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mark Jean brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Dog Named Duke took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: April 28, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch


