Thursday Happenings

Movies

The Brattle offers a double dose of weird British cinema tonight as part of its Artists on Film series. The Draughtsman's Contract (1982) is early Peter Greenaway, a murder mystery set in the 17th century, told allusively and with intentional anachronism. It's charming, if you don't mind that your movies don't make a whole lot of sense. Derek Jarman's Caravaggio (1986), too, has its share of anachronisms, but the reason to see the picture is its cinematography, which deftly recreates the color palette and lighting of a Caravaggio original. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge. Tickets and more information.

The Wild Bunch (1969) is a film that rewards repeated viewings. Between the buckets of blood, the double-crossing, William Holden and Ernest Borgnine's bromance, and the nearly continuous diegetic laugh track, you almost miss the beauty of the cinematographic composition and the nuanced, tightly controlled montage. Easily one of the greatest films of the sixties. Followed by a documentary about the making of the movie. Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St., Cambridge, 7 p.m. $8/$6.

Openings

Mary McFadden has been called a "design archeologist," and her specialty is resurrecting historical textile and jewelry making methods to fashion her own startling garments. An exhibition of her work called Mary McFadden: Goddesses opens today, with a lecture from the artist preceding the reception. David Bakalar Gallery, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 621 Huntington Ave. Lecture at 5 p.m., reception at 6 p.m. Free.

Prognostication with a Beat

Taking questions from the audience, "The Ego and The Oracle" answers all after the Oracle's wheel is spun and a song is chosen to be played by Jim's Big Ego. Laughs ensue, but you get the sense that something strange is in the air besides someone's strong perfume. The back room of The Burren is rocking it supernaturally every Thursday in October. The Burren, 247 Elm St., Somerville, Davis Square, 6:30pm. $15. (RV)

Rob Vassegh contributed to this post.