Our Picks

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Can't Miss

1. W.

[MOVIE] A renegade drunk from a privileged family turns his life around and, in a matter of 15 years, becomes governor of Texas and then president of the United States. How could you not make a movie about this man? Oliver Stone has tackled administrations before ("JFK," "Nixon") but never has he trained his theatrically interpretive camera on a sitting president. With just a few weeks until the election and three months before George W. Bush leaves office, Josh Brolin and a superb cast give us the behind-the-scenes look we will never get for real.

Opens Friday.

2. ROLE MODELS: FEMININE IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY

[EXHIBIT] This exhibition examines the way portraiture, self-portraiture and narrative photographs have influenced our understanding of gender and identity over the past three decades. The collection includes the work of such 1980s innovators as Eleanor Antin, Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, Sally Mann and Mary Ellen Mark, as well a new generation of photographers that emerged in the late '90s, including Anna Gaskell, Catherine Opie and Nikki S. Lee.

Opens Friday. Through Jan. 25. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000. $10, seniors and students $8.

3. THE NOTWIST

[CONCERT] The German indie rockers had been around for more than a decade and had already released a handful of albums by the time they broke into the U.S. indie-rock scene with 2002's "Neon Golden." One would think that after such a hit they would strike while the iron was hot, but instead, while working on side projects, they made us wait six years for a follow-up. Luckily, they don't seem to be too out of practice. The band's new album, "The Devil, You + Me," is as tight and well written as its predecessor and manages to feel like both a logical extension and an update of their sound. With Dosh.

Wednesday at 7 p.m. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566. $15.

4. DOUBLE INDEMNITY

[MOVIE] A worn-out insurance man (Fred MacMurray) and a bored housewife (Barbara Stanwyck) conspire to murder her husband and collect on the insurance policy. Directed by brilliant genre-hopper Billy Wilder and based on a novella by James M. Cain, this 1944 movie is packed to the gills with double entendres, stolen kisses and general malfeasance. It's part of AFI Silver Theatre's Noir City DC series, which opens Friday and runs through Nov. 5.

Friday at 4:45, 7 and 9:15 p.m.; Saturday at 4:45 and 9:30 p.m.; Oct. 19 at 9:40 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. 301-495-6720. $7.50-$10, age 12 and younger $6.

-- Sunday Source staff

Critics' Choice

DC LABOR FILMFEST

[MOVIES] Viewers have a chance to catch some terrific, rarely seen films (and one certified classic) as the eighth annual DC Labor FilmFest nears its end. Today's program opens with "9 Star Hotel," Ido Haar's gripping documentary about Palestinian migrant laborers who work at an Israeli construction site and build their own fragile community while eluding police. The lineup also includes Charlie Chaplin's 1936 masterpiece "Modern Times"; "Great World of Sound," a critically acclaimed serio-comedy about a couple of guys trying to hit it big in the music industry; and the Brazilian satire "Fim da Linha" ("The End of the Line").

-- Ann Hornaday

Today starting at 1 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. 301-495-6720. $10, seniors $9, age 12 and younger $6.

BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE

[ON STAGE] This company traces its roots back 40,000 years to the earliest traditions of Australia's Aboriginal people. So can we really call what it does "modern dance"? Well, yes, when the group does such an intriguing job of weaving contemporary steps and shapes into old, old Aboriginal rituals. Back after a four-year absence, the troupe will perform "Awakenings," a local premiere.

-- Sarah Kaufman

Thursday-Friday at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. $22-$65.

And More ...

[Concerts]

VAL EMMICH-- Monday at 7 p.m. He may be most recognized as Tina Fey's young love interest on "30 Rock," but the songwriter also is known for his tight pop songs. With Adam Swink. Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. 703-255-1566. $10.

LANGHORNE SLIM-- Monday at 8 p.m. The singer and guitarist offers a sardonic, modern take on traditional folk, country and blues. With Heartless Bastards. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. 202-667-7960. $13.

MAX RAABE & PALAST ORCHESTER-- Tuesday at 8 p.m. The German singer and his 12-piece orchestra make an art of re-creating dance and film music from 1920s and 1930s Germany, often applying the style to covers of contemporary pop songs. Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. 202-994-6800. $10-$35.

MARTIN TAYLOR-- Tuesday at 8 p.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The innovative self-taught British jazz guitarist has played with the likes of Chet Atkins, George Harrison and Jamie Cullum. Tuesday at Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis. 410-268-4545. $25. Wednesday at Inter-American Development Bank, Cultural Center, 1300 New York Ave. NW. 202-623-3774. FREE

FODFEST-- Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. The annual tour organized to honor late Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl features performances by Billy Coulter with Tommy Derr, Chad Hollister, Corrin Campbell, Laura Secker, Nik Rael, Sarah White, Sonia of Disappear Fear, Todd Mack and Wes Tucker & the Skillets. Iota Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-522-8340. Donation requested.

LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS-- Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. The performance by the hard-touring rockabilly, Delta blues, gospel, bluegrass and folk-punk rockers includes a screening of lead singer J.D. Wilkes's latest film project, "The Seven Signs." With Pine Hill Haints. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202-388-7625. $12.

THE NOTWIST-- See Can't Miss.

THE SECRET MACHINES-- Thursday at 7 p.m. The New York-by-way-of-Dallas three-piece is back with its brand of indie space rock but without original member Benjamin Curtis. With TK Webb & the Visions. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566. $20.

MONOTONIX-- Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The Israeli garage-punk trio is known for its unpredictable and often combustible live performances. With Imperial China and the Electricutions. DC9, 1940 Ninth St. NW. 202-483-5000. $10.

THE DUHKS-- Thursday at 9 p.m. The environmentally conscious Winnipegers play traditional North American styles mixed with Latin American rhythms and Irish dance influences. With Jupiter One. Iota Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-522-8340. $15.

THE CASSETTES AND STAMEN & PISTILS-- Friday at 9 p.m. The local bands, which blend traditional folk sounds with electronic and experimental elements, are two of the area's most interesting yet under-recognized acts. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. 202-667-7960. $10.

TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON QUARTET-- Saturday at 9:30 p.m. The band's leader is a world-renowned Jazz drummer, composer and producer. Kennedy Center Terrace Gallery, KC Jazz Club, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600 or 800-444-1324. $25.

[Exhibits]

FRANZ WEST, TO BUILD A HOUSE YOU START WITH THE ROOF: WORK, 1972-2008-- Opens today. Through Jan. 4. Although he has been considered one of Europe's most provocative artistic voices since the '70s, this is the first comprehensive study of the Austrian artist's sculpture, design and works on paper in the United States. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore. 443-573-1700. FREE

OCEANS, RIVERS, AND SKIES: ANSEL ADAMS, ROBERT ADAMS, AND ALFRED STIEGLITZ-- Opens today. Through March 15. Twenty-one works by the famed landscape photographers are presented in chronological order. National Gallery of Art, West Building, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. FREE

NICOLE LENZI: STOP AND GO-- Opens Friday. Through Nov. 15. Performance-based installations are created using tape, molding, tiles, line and light. Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. 202-315-1305. FREE

ROLE MODELS: FEMININE IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY-- Opens Friday. See Can't Miss.

REGIME CHANGE STARTS AT HOME-- Opens Saturday. Through Dec. 6. The politically themed exhibition includes new works by Shepard Fairey, Al Farrow and Paul D. Miller, better known in the music world as DJ Spooky. Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW. 202-332-8767. FREE

MOUNTAINS, FIELDS AND SEA-- Opens Saturday. Through Nov. 15. Mary Page Evans, known for her en plein air landscape and seascape paintings, has artwork in numerous public collections, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Delaware Art Museum. Addison/Ripley Fine Art, 1670 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-338-5180. FREE

TIMBUKTU TO TIBET: RUGS AND TEXTILES OF THE HAJJI BABAS-- Opens Saturday. Through March 8. An exhibit of non-Western fabrics explores the central role that textiles have played in cultures across several continents and chronicles how Western understanding and appreciation of non-Western textiles changed during the 20th century. Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW. 202-667-0441. FREE

[Miscellaneous]

HOMECOMING '08-- Friday-Saturday at 9 p.m. It's that time of year again: Howard University's homecoming is upon us, and as usual there's much to choose from: the football game, the fashion and more. As has become tradition, the unofficial events draw some of the brightest stars. Such is the case at Love, where distinguished Howard alumnus Diddy is hosting back-to-back nights of revelry. For university and student-run events, visit http://www.bisonhomecoming.com; otherwise make your way to Okie Street. Love, 1350 Okie St. NE. 202-636-9030 or 202-397-7328. $30-$80.

POPLAR SPRING ANIMAL SANCTUARY OPEN HOUSE-- Today, 1-5 p.m. Enjoy live music, food and drink, a silent auction, clowns, face painting and the opportunity to visit rescued animals. Author and activist Karen Dawn will speak and sign copies of her book, "Thanking the Monkey." 15200 Mount Nebo Rd., Poolesville. To RSVP, call 301-428-8128. FREE

[Movies]

DAYS AND CLOUDS-- From the director of "Bread and Tulips" comes a drama about a wealthy couple suddenly faced with hard times. Love -- wouldn't you know it -- turns out to be the only true currency. In Italian with English subtitles. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. 202-452-7672. $7.50-$10.

DOUBLE INDEMNITY-- See Can't Miss.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY-- Mike Leigh's newest is opposite in tone from most of his previous movies: more hopeful than "Vera Drake," sunnier than "All or Nothing," less twisted than "Secrets & Lies." Sally Hawkins stars as a giddy, giggly woman who seems to waltz on sunshine through the drudgery of life. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. 301-652-7273. $7.50-$10.

MAX PAYNE-- Mark Wahlberg plays a mavericky cop out to avenge the murder of his family. Sounds like "Gladiator" minus the togas.

MORNING LIGHT-- This documentary about sailing follows a group of youngsters who race a high-performance 52-foot sloop in the Transpacific Yacht Race, a 2,300-mile open-ocean sailing competition. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. 301-652-7273. $7.50-$10.

NOIR CITY DC-- Friday through Nov. 5. Washington's first edition of the Noir City film festival, produced by the Film Noir Foundation, features a dozen classics, including "Strangers on a Train," "Detour" and "Sunset Boulevard." AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. 301-495-6720. $7.50-$10, age 12 and younger $6.

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED-- Anne Hathaway is winning rave reviews for this Jonathan Demme movie about a drama-prone woman who returns to see her family on the occasion of her sister's wedding. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. 301-652-7273. $7.50-$10.

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES-- If we had a dime for every movie with "Bee" or "The Secret Life" in the title, we'd have like a solid $8 or so. Anyway, this one is based on a best-selling novel and set in South Carolina in 1964. A 14-year-old girl (Dakota Fanning) flees her home and is taken in by the Boatwright sisters, played by Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys. Also starring Jennifer Hudson. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. 301-652-7273. $7.50-$10.

SEX DRIVE-- The studio's plot synopsis for this movie starts with "Loveable underdog Ian (Josh Zuckerman) is the last American virgin. At least that's how it feels to him now that he's 18, about to go to college, and losing girls to his 14-year-old brother," which makes it sound deeply stupid.

W.-- See Can't Miss.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?-- Robert De Niro stars as a Hollywood producer whose personal and professional lives are imploding with the vigor of a summer blockbuster. Starring Bruce Willis as a fictional version of himself. Based on the memoir by veteran Hollywood producer Art Linson and directed by Barry Levinson ("Rain Man," "Wag the Dog"). Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. 202-452-7672. $7.50-$10.

[On Stage]

INSIDE OUT: JOY OF MOTION ON STAGE-- Saturday at 8 p.m. An eclectic mix of local dance artists, including Edgeworks Dance Theater, Furia Flamenca, Silk Road Dance Company and DCypher Dance, perform in celebration of Joy of Motion's 32nd anniversary. Preceded by a 6:30 p.m. VIP cocktail reception. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. Performance $25, reception and performance $50.

ALVIN MAYES-- Saturday at 8 p.m., Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. Mayes celebrates three decades of dance in the Washington area with "Love Come Down," a performance inspired by the magic of the night sky. Saturday's show is a benefit for Dance Place. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. Saturday, all tickets $50; Sunday, $22, seniors and students $17, children $8.

[Sports]

CAPITALS-- Monday at 7 p.m. against the Vancouver Canucks. Saturday at 7 p.m. against the New Jersey Devils. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-397-7328. $25-$250.

D.C. UNITED-- Thursday at 7:30 p.m. against the New England Revolution. RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. 202-397-7328. $20-$50.