Hollywood Gets Subversive The 2006 blockbuster movie season is here, and its heaviest hitter so far is “V For Vendetta,” which tells the story of a masked “terrorist” (V) who embraces anarchy, calls for social revolt, and uses mass transit to blow up the symbol of his government. The all-too-realistic escapism in “V” transcends that of a simple fantasy, however. Instead, the film seems to be insisting that not everyone who dissents is a terrorist, and that not every government deserves the passive obedience of its citizens. All this aside, it’s also a film of genuine chemistry between Evey (Natalie Portman) and V (Hugo Weaving), who both succeed in proving that it is indeed possible for a man in a mask to strike a chord of humanity. Opens Friday, March 17 at major theaters. — Steven Snyder
Body Art Joan Fontcuberta is a trickster extraordinaire of the visual arts. For “Landscapes Without Memory,” the title of this Barcelona-based critic, theoretician and artist’s current show at Aperture Foundation, he fed reproductions of famous paintings—and even photos of his body parts—to a computer with cartographic software designed for military and scientific use. Take a stroll through the gallery and you’ll see the likes of André Derain, Salvador Dali, Henri Rousseau, Piet Mondrian srenderings of mountains, lakes and valleys. A terrain of photo-realistic images, yes. But actual photos of real landscapes…. Not exactly. Runs through Mar. 30. Aperture Foundation, 547 West 27th Street, 4th floor, bet. 10th and 11th Ave., (212-505-5555; aperture.org). — Aileen Torres. Joan Fontcuberta/André Derain/Aperture Foundation
Memory Lane If you’ve strolled down Greene Street in the last few years, you may have noticed, somewhere between the gleaming Apple Store and Chanel Soho, the hip, disheveled painter living and working on the long-closed loading dock of number 75. His name is Jerry Faust, and his domain is now a gallery known as La Casa Verde. On Wednesday, his Ides of March show opens, featuring Faust’s work alongside that of French artist David “Skunkdog” Negri. It pays homage to the Soho art scene, which they say disappeared in the 1990s. The exhibition runs through March 28th, and the final evening promises a “closing night dysfunctional post meditative silence awareness comedown filled evening.” 75 Green Street, between Spring and Broome St. (shadowlens.com/loveisoriginal/). —Rachel Fershleiser
Bang a Gong This St. Patty’s Day, independent curator Dean Daderko and friends are throwing their second monthly “Talent Show”— part performance party, part dance party for “people who are into things wild and gay” (or straight, bi, lesbian, and transgender). Guests are encouraged to dress up and perform, but if you don’t, plenty of others will. Expect Leprechauns, Go-Go dancing, clogging, DJs, and perhaps even a surprise appearance by the singer Peaches. “As usual, it will be a big ‘ol mess!” says Daderko. Visit http://talentshowparty.blog spot.com if you’re curious about the show—it’s not heavy on the details, but you’ll get the gist. A $5 donation is appreciated at the door. Friday, March 17th at 11 pm, M 1-5 Bar, 52 Walker St., west of Broadway.
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Hollywood Gets Subversive The 2006 blockbuster movie season is here, and its heaviest hitter so far is “V For Vendetta,” which tells the story of a masked “terrorist” (V) who embraces anarchy, calls for social revolt, and uses mass transit to blow up the symbol of his government. The all-too-realistic escapism in “V” transcends that of a simple fantasy, however. Instead, the film seems to be insisting that not everyone who dissents is a terrorist, and that not every government deserves the passive obedience of its citizens. All this aside, it’s also a film of genuine chemistry between Evey (Natalie Portman) and V (Hugo Weaving), who both succeed in proving that it is indeed possible for a man in a mask to strike a chord of humanity. Opens Friday, March 17 at major theaters. — Steven Snyder
Body Art Joan Fontcuberta is a trickster extraordinaire of the visual arts. For “Landscapes Without Memory,” the title of this Barcelona-based critic, theoretician and artist’s current show at Aperture Foundation, he fed reproductions of famous paintings—and even photos of his body parts—to a computer with cartographic software designed for military and scientific use. Take a stroll through the gallery and you’ll see the likes of André Derain, Salvador Dali, Henri Rousseau, Piet Mondrian srenderings of mountains, lakes and valleys. A terrain of photo-realistic images, yes. But actual photos of real landscapes…. Not exactly. Runs through Mar. 30. Aperture Foundation, 547 West 27th Street, 4th floor, bet. 10th and 11th Ave., (212-505-5555; 
Memory Lane If you’ve strolled down Greene Street in the last few years, you may have noticed, somewhere between the gleaming Apple Store and Chanel Soho, the hip, disheveled painter living and working on the long-closed loading dock of number 75. His name is Jerry Faust, and his domain is now a gallery known as La Casa Verde. On Wednesday, his Ides of March show opens, featuring Faust’s work alongside that of French artist David “Skunkdog” Negri. It pays homage to the Soho art scene, which they say disappeared in the 1990s. The exhibition runs through March 28th, and the final evening promises a “closing night dysfunctional post meditative silence awareness comedown filled evening.” 75 Green Street, between Spring and Broome St. (
Bang a Gong This St. Patty’s Day, independent curator Dean Daderko and friends are throwing their second monthly “Talent Show”— part performance party, part dance party for “people who are into things wild and gay” (or straight, bi, lesbian, and transgender). Guests are encouraged to dress up and perform, but if you don’t, plenty of others will. Expect Leprechauns, Go-Go dancing, clogging, DJs, and perhaps even a surprise appearance by the singer Peaches. “As usual, it will be a big ‘ol mess!” says Daderko. Visit http://talentshowparty.blog spot.com if you’re curious about the show—it’s not heavy on the details, but you’ll get the gist. A $5 donation is appreciated at the door. Friday, March 17th at 11 pm, M 1-5 Bar, 52 Walker St., west of Broadway.
