William Hosie's modest constructions and two-dimensional works playfully blend sculptural, architectural and mechanical principles. (Open Nov. 3 through Dec. 14, University Gallery at UMass Fine Arts Center. Opening reception with artist on Fri., 5 to 7 p.m.)
SELECT FLICKS
Cinemark at Hampshire Mall
(587-4233)
"From Hell," an adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel featuring Jack the Ripper, displays the Hughes brothers' visual flair, but to little effect-the plot devices and social commentary are cliched, while stars Johnny Depp and Heather Graham are too modern (i.e., physically clean, politically correct) for 1880s Whitechapel.
"K-Pax" is reviewed in this issue.
General-turned-convict Robert Redford and warden James Gandolfini vie for control of "The Last Castle" in this prison drama.
"Riding Cars With Boys" is reviewed in this issue.
"Serendipity" tries for romance a la "When Harry Met Sally ..." but is undermined by script cliches and lackluster performances by leads John Cusack and Kate Beckinsdale.
The armored soldiers of Arkam battle with U.S. government operatives over the remains of Noah's ark in "Spriggan." No, we don't know what the title means either, but this is the latest anime from "Akira" auteur Katsuhiro Otomo.
"13 Ghosts" updates the '60s horror classic with state-of-the-art digital effects. F. Murray Abraham and Shannon Elizabeth star.
Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke play good cop/bad cop in Antoine Fuqua's electrifying "Training Day." The two leads have never been better, and L.A. has never looked tougher.
Ben Stiller shines as writer-director-star of the silly yet undeniably hilarious "Zoolander," based on his vapid male model persona from the 1996 VH1 fashion awards. Christine Taylor (Mrs. Ben Stiller) co-stars.
Pleasant Street Theater
(586-0925)
Bless David Lynch-as he gets older, he just gets weirder and better. In "Mulholland Drive," an amnesiac (Laura Herring) gets freaky with an aspiring actress (Naomi Watts), while a demon and a cowboy plumb the subconscious underbelly of America's surreal City of Angels. It all has to do with a mysterious blue box-and the twisted, brilliant imagination of an iconoclastic director.
STAGE
"In the Fullness of Time," written by Fulbright Scholar Juliana Okoh and directed by Elizabeth Schwan-Rosenwald, features a Nigerian couple struggling with their gender roles. (Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Earle Recital Hall, Sage Hall at Smith College. Free.)
TALKS
Nancy Cartwright, professor of philosophy, logic and scientific method at the London School of Economics, will speak on "The Myth of Universalism: Theories of Science and Theories of Justice." Reception to follow. (Thurs., 4:30 p.m., Cole Assembly Room, Converse Hall. Free.)
Jamie Pastor Bolnick will discuss "Living at the Edge of the World: How I Survived in the Tunnels of Grand Central Station," a book she co-authored with homeless teen/addict Tina S. (Thurs., 7 p.m., The Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. Free. Call 534-7307.)
TUNES
Scrapple from the Apple, a jazz combo including College music department faculty Dana Gooley (piano) and Bruce Diehl (saxophone), will present an evening of original compositions and standards. (Thurs., 8:30 p.m., Campus Center Frontroom. Free.)
The Amherst College Choral Society, directed by Mallorie Chernin, will present its annual Family Weekend concert. The program will include music by Brahms, Ligetti, Whitacre and Martinu, as well as traditional Amherst College songs. (Fri., 8:30 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall. $6. Call 542-2484 for tickets.)
The Amherst College Orchestra, conducted by Mark Lane Swanson and joined by guest artist Kara Shay Thomson, soprano, will perform a concert entitled "In Memoriam: September 11, 2001." On the program will be works by Elgar, Strauss and Beethoven. (Sat., 9 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall. Free.)
Veteran triangle men They Might Be Giants will bring their unique brand of quirky pop-rock to the Pearl Street Nightclub in Northampton. (Sun, 8:30pm. $17.50. Call 586-8686.)
MISCELLANEOUS
Halloween evening in Amherst will kick off with a twilight parade and street festival, starting in Sweetser Park (across from the Amherst police station). There will be performances of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "Alice in Wonderland" and live music by Inner Orchestra. (Today, 6 p.m.)
The freakiest costumes in the 5-College area will be on display at Hampshire Halloween, the popular annual extravaganza of fireworks, art, music, and dancing. You won't find a hotter party on Friday night-not that that's saying much. (Fri., 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Library Lawn at Hampshire College. Free.)
The Smith African Student Association will present SASA Jam!, a festival featuring African and Caribbean cuisine, a cultural show featuring songs and dances from the African diaspora, and a dance party. (Sat., 5:30 p.m., Scott Gym at Smith College. $4 dinner, $6 show, $3 party. E-mail smalling@smith.edu for more info.)
Sir Laurence Olivier's classic 1948 film adaptation of "Hamlet" has dated some, but if you want to see Olivier in his prime, look no further. (Mon., 7 p.m., Stirn Auditorium. Free.)
FLICS will present Steven Soderbergh's "Erin Brockovich," the story of Julia Roberts' alarming cleavage-no, it's really about a crusading single mom who brings down an evil corporation (with the help of her cleavage). (Thurs. 9 p.m., Fri. 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., Sat. 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Campus Center Theater. Free.)