MOVIES
“Jarhead” is not a war movie, at least not in the strictest sense. Consider Sam Mendes’ visually elegant, powerfully streamlined version of Anthony Swofford’s 1991 Gulf War memoir a meditation on grappling with the rush and horror, the testosterone-fueled highs and excruciating lows of being a post-Vietnam-era grunt. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Swofford with cagey intelligence. When Jamie Foxx’s Marine staff sergeant recruits him for an elite unit of snipers and scouts, Swofford is in the men’s room reading that go-to work of existentialism, “The Stranger.” What a pitch-perfect choice.
– LISA KENNEDY
VISUAL ARTS
Rokko Aoyoma, who has been in residence since Sept. 26 at PlatteForum, 1610 Little Raven St., is one of Colorado’s most imaginative and original artists. Drawing on traditional Japanese gardens, she has created two garden artworks, collaborating on an outdoor one, “Avant-Garden,” with students from Jefferson County Open School. A free reception for the resulting exhibition, “Garden/Garden,” which runs through Dec. 2, will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. 303-893-0791 or platteforum.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
COUNTRY MUSIC
In its recent annual “best of” edition, the Nashville Scene newspaper’s music critic named Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell as Nashville’s best country duet. The award salutes Cary and Cockrell’s first album together, “Begonias” (Yep Roc Records). The collaboration includes songwriting. The CD features straightforward lyrics whose simplicity only enforces their emotional power. That, coupled with the mixing and matching of two superb voices, make this duo a must-see. They perform Wednesday night at the Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. Buckskin Stallion and Roman Candle open the 8:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $8. Call 303-291-1007 or visit larimerlounge.com.
– ED WILL
TELEVISION
Last week they sealed the deal with a handshake. Tonight, they debate, live. Presidential candidates Vinick (Alan Alda), the Republican, and Santos (Jimmy Smits), the Democrat, go head-to-head on NBC’s reinvigorated “The West Wing,” at 7 p.m. on KUSA-Channel 9. Blurring the reality/fiction line further, Forrest Sawyer serves as moderator.
– JOANNE OSTROW
POPULAR MUSIC
If you’ve never been hit by the musical force of Atmosphere, then you should buy tickets to the indie hip-hop group’s show at the Fillmore on Thursday before it sells out. The group’s last three CDs – most notably 2003’s “Seven’s Travels” – have all shown its MC, Slug, in a state of rapid maturation and emotional growth. The past seven years of constant touring have helped him grow into the confident and commanding MC he is today.
– RICARDO BACA
STAGE
Deborah Persoff, Roger L. Simon and Paige Larson star in Miners Alley Playhouse’s “Painting Churches,” Tina Howe’s contemplative family drama about an aging couple whose bohemian artist daughter comes home to help them move. This modest tale will resonate with anyone who has faced end-of-life issues with a parent or spouse. Final performances 6 tonight, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 1224 Washington Ave., Golden. $16-$18 (303-935-3044).
– JOHN MOORE
CLASSICAL MUSIC
The opera world might not have the Beatles, but it certainly can boast it share of timeless hits. The Colorado Symphony will present an assortment of favorite arias and overtures during a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday with conductor Adam Flatt and guest vocalists Monica Abrego and Jason Baldwin. Featured will be excerpts from such operas as “La Boheme,” “Tosca,” “Carmen” and “La Traviata.” Tickets for the concert in Boettcher Concert Hall are $15-$65. 303-623-7876 or coloradosymphony.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
NIGHT LIFE
The mix of indie rock, Brit-pop and soul at Lipgloss has been downtown Denver’s fail-safe Friday night dance party for years. But this week the DJs known as the Denver 3 kick up the glam factor at “the gloss” by rolling out the welcome mat for New York City post-punk heroes The Bravery. The band plans on dropping by the club for a quick set and a few laughs after opening Friday for Depeche Mode at Magness Arena. As always, the Denver 3 keep it affordable with $5 cover and $2 drink specials. 10 p.m. Friday at La Rumba, 99 W. Ninth Ave.
– ELANA ASHANTI JEFFERSON
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Monica Abrego will perform with the Colorado Symphony Thursday.
