MOVIES
Perhaps trepidation is in order when critics celebrate works of violence. But when the director is as aesthetically ethical as David Cronenberg, the film as grimly exquisite as “Eastern Promises,” and the lead as haunting as Viggo Mortensen, it’s difficult not to nudge (OK, shove) you into the theater. Steve Knight’s tale of a midwife (Naomi Watts) drawn into the dark realm of a London- based Russian crime family – Mortensen is their Ukranian driver – is intricate in ways that invite repeat viewings. Or else. | Lisa Kennedy
STAGE
In what is believed to be an unprecedented twin bill anywhere, Germinal Stage Denver is staging Eugene O’Neill’s “A Touch of the Poet,” followed in November by its even rarer sequel, “More Stately Mansions.” Ed Baierlein is not only directing but starring as a domineering former British army officer who thinks himself a nobleman, but has been reduced to owning a shanty tavern outside Boston in 1828. Baierlein has amassed a masterful pantheon of thought-provoking and intelligent performances over 34 years, but this is something else entirely. This volcanic, dangerous portrayal of a vile, acidic poseur will stand as a milestone. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 7 at 2450 W. 44th Ave. $15.75-$19.75 (303-455-7108). | John Moore
POPULAR MUSIC
The problem with many rock show bills is that there’s too much of a good thing. Three on-point DJs? Or five brilliant thrash bands on one stage? Not that we’re asking for disparate booking, but it’s a bigger pleasure to see bands play together that are kissing cousins instead of twin siblings. And that’s why we’re particularly excited about Wednesday night at the Fillmore, when the Faint will open for the Chemical Brothers. Two very different groups, mind you, but they work together beautifully. Synth-pop from Omaha together with dynamic electronic production from the U.K. … sounds delicious. Count us in. More info: , 303-830-8497. | Ricardo Baca
CLASSICAL MUSIC
The American opera world’s most admired singer just might be soprano Renée Fleming. The abundantly talented singer will join the Colorado Symphony for a much-anticipated concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Boettcher Concert Hall. She will perform Strauss’ “Four Last Songs” and a selection of operatic arias. 303-623-7876 or | Kyle MacMillan
TELEVISION
The CW tonight debuts two series of interest to the cyber crowd: “CW Now,” at 6 p.m. on KWGN- Channel 2, followed by “Online Nation” at 6:30. The first is a youthful magazine show about what’s hot and not in fashion and entertainment; the second is a YouTube-like collection of online clips and blogs. The network wants to get in on the rush to “user generated content.” They’re likely to learn the old saying is true: You get what you pay for. | Joanne Ostrow
NIGHT LIFE
No one would mistake little old Denver for a fashion capital on par with New York or Paris, but that doesn’t mean our homegrown designers are any slouches. Get a look at the diversity and quality of Mile High City threads when Rise Nightclub hosts the Fall ‘N’ Angels fashion show on Thursday. The runway event features 45 of the city’s most smokin’ models draped in fall fashions from five trendy local boutiques. 10:30 p.m., 1909 Blake St., no cover, 303-383-1909 for reservations, rise-nightclub.com | John Wenzel
VISUAL ARTS
Since Denver was chosen in 2004 as the repository for the Clyfford Still estate and future home of a museum devoted to the significant post-World War II painter, questions have abounded about the artist. “Clyfford Still Unveiled: Selections From the Estate” attempts to provide at least some partial answers. The small but powerful Denver Art Museum exhibition, which continues through Sept. 30, includes 13 works that offer a cross-section of the abstract-expressionist’s output. 720-865-5000 or | Kyle MacMillan
