Arts

Before I Leave You' considers eccentric relationships

Cronenberg and von Trier to release psychological dramas

Two of modern cinema's most renowned directors will be releasing new films this November. David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method" will have its American debut on Nov. 23, while Lars von Trier's "Melancholia" will open in theaters on Nov. 11. This makes November a particularly rich month for film buffs around the country, since both directors have earned much acclaim for their edgy, thought−provoking productions. Cronenberg and von Trier both emerged as relatively controversial directors whose films unflinchingly examined masochism, voyeurism and the darker aspects of the human condition.

Strong acting saves 'How I Met Your Mother'

In the seventh season of CBS's "How I Met Your Mother" ("HIMYM"), viewers are finally seeing some hints that an ending is in sight. Though the show has yet to reveal whom Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) will actually marry, it has addressed a couple of old possibilities.

Chris Poldoian | Extra Butter

Can we take a moment to acknowledge the brilliance of R. Kelly? This must seem entirely out of left field, but trust me. After watching parts his magnum opus, "Trapped in the Closet," there is no doubt in my mind that Kelly is the best narrator ever. ... Well, at least the best berretta−toting, falsetto−singing narrator to ever find an adulterous midget in his kitchen cabinet.

3Ps' production delves beneath the surface

How would you interpret it if someone said that you looked "average" or "normal?" Chances are, you wouldn't take it well.

Director Doremus and actress Jones chat at the Kendall

"Like Crazy," which won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, explores the poignant, honest realities of a whirlwind first love. After a pre-screening at the Kendall Square Cinema, director Drake Doremus and actress Felicity Jones held a candid Q&A with the audience that touched upon everything from the impressive improvisation of the two lead actors (Jones and co-star Anton Yelchin) to Doremus' personal ties to the film's characters.

What's up this weekend

Weekender Interview | Cody Hochheiser

Boston's new party-rock band Mike and Cody is excited to announce the release of their debut EP, "Let's Go!" The Daily sat down with one half of the duo, Tufts senior Cody Hochheiser, to discuss their EP, their influences and the power of music. "Let's Go" dropped on Oct. 25 and can be downloaded at MikeAndCody.BandCamp.com.

Boozy 'Rum Diary,' though entertaining, lacks punch

Top Ten | Celebrities we don't want to see topless

The Artsy Jumbo | Senior Fricchione balances bio and beats

If you ever thought music and lacoperons were incompatible, Tufts senior Jonathan Fricchione is here to prove you wrong. Both a musician and a biology major, Jon has made his mark on the Tufts community as a frequent performer and a young scientist.

Jordan Teicher | The Independent

So Mel Gibson walks into a bar ... No, c'mon guys, I'm kidding. Just trying to lighten the mood after the past two weeks. In honor of Halloween, I'd like to focus this week's column on the chameleon of our generation: Philip "I Want To" Seymour "Of You" Hoffman.

Europe at Midcentury' examines abstraction, lithography

"Europe at Midcentury: Dubuffet, Giacometti, Picasso," an exhibit running at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston through Jan. 22, is like an art history course sped up and condensed. The gallery examines how the portrayal of the human figure changed in the years after World War I in Europe as abstract artists switched from naturalistic to exaggerated depictions.

Living on the Fringe

"The distractions are OK. They're enriching distractions," Mike Dacey of Repeat Press said with a laugh when asked about the social atmosphere of his work. 

Oberon brings 'Rocky Horror' to Cambridge stage

Saying that "The Rocky Horror Show" is an all−ages production is like saying that Rebecca Black is a good singer. "Rocky Horror" has, however, the amazing ability to attract everyone from crazily dressed teens and young 20−somethings to those dedicated fans who have been going every year for upward of 30 years. "Rocky Horror" is truly a cult show whose lasting effect on culture is sure to continue for generations to come.

Oringer infuses Italian cuisine with gourmet novelty

Ken Oringer can do no wrong. The Boston−based chef owns seven restaurants in the hub, four of which made it onto Boston Magazine's 2011 50 Best Restaurants list. And Bostonians aren't the only people taking notice — Oringer's restaurants have won awards and mentions in national publications such as Gourmet Magazine, Esquire and The Wall Street Journal ever since his flagship restaurant, Clio, opened in 1997. In case you don't follow the world of food criticism, additionally in 2008, Oringer tested his talents and came out the victor on Food Network's "Iron Chef" — with coffee as the secret ingredient — against celebrity chef Cat Cora.

In Motion' returns for sixth season

Fans of relationship dramas should start getting excited for the return of Tufts University Television's (TUTV) original program, "In Motion," which comes back today for its sixth season. The show, which is created, written and directed by Tufts senior Thomas Martinez, follows the lives of fictional Jumbos as they deal with college life and relationship struggles. This year could possibly be the end of the series, as Martinez and much of the cast will be graduating in May.

Alexandria Chu | Hit Li(s)t

First off, it's been seven weeks since the beginning of this column — thanks so much for following! For this week's lucky number seven, our destination is Lancaster, WA, where consumerism reigns. Just Google Maps it, there's nothing else there, and if you're from there, I'm sorry and ready to be proven wrong.

Authenticity makes 'How to Make It in America'

Originally, "How to Make It in America" was touted as a partner show of "Entourage" (2004−2011). Both are produced by Mark Wahlberg and both have similar focuses, like male friendships and surviving in difficult businesses.

Gym Class Heroes bassist dishes about band's latest

The members of Gym Class Heroes are no strangers to the mainstream audiences that radio superstardom brings. Busting onto the scene with the single, "Cupid's Chokehold," Gym Class Heroes has enjoyed much success since its third album, "As Cruel As School Children" (2006). The group is composed of lead singer Travie McCoy, guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo, bassist Eric Roberts and drummer Matt McGinley, and released its last album, "The Quilt," in 2008.