Top picks of the week
THURS 1.5
GOOD MORNING, NIGHT
And you thought you were conflicted. The heroine of this 2003 Italian film, set in 1978, struggles to make peace with the choices she’s made in her life. On the surface, she leads a quiet existence, working in an office and living with her husband. At the same time, though, she’s also a member of an extremist Italian terrorist group. Based on the real life kidnapping and murder of leading Italian government official Aldo Moro, the film humanizes the story and its characters, thanks to nuanced writing and direction by Marco Bellocchio, who previously gave us the critically acclaimed 2002 film ‘‘My Mother’s Smile.’’ The film screens tonight at 8 p.m. and at various times through Jan. 15. $9. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300.
SAT 1.7
LOVE HIM TENDER: SPIRIT OF THE KING
It’s not often that we get treated to the glitz and glitter of a Las Vegas review in these parts, or even just a mini one, but Elvis impersonator Steve Connolly celebrates what would have been the King’s 71st birthday. The Las Vegas-based performer has shaken his hips and curled his lip through more than 3,000 shows at the MGM Grand casino. He’ll be backed by a seven-piece band and the ‘‘Vegas Dancers.’’ Expect a high-energy, heartfelt tribute to the performer ‘‘Variety’’ named one of the century’s top 10 icons. Show begins at 8 p.m. $27.50-$37.50. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass. Ave., Boston. 617-747-2261.
SUN 1.8
U.V. PROTECTION LP RELEASE SHOW
An average show by this fab electro-dance rock outfit is anything but, as the local quartet unleashes a multimedia extravaganza that incorporates film, dance, costumes, and off-kilter, operatic music. So imagine what they have planned to celebrate the occasion of having their debut effort, ‘‘Consumer Material,’’ released on vinyl by Cambridge-based Honeypump Records. It’s sure to be a highly melodic spectacle. Local atmospheric rock quartet, Eyes Like Knives, kicks off the celebration with a set of their intense, guitar-drenched ruminations. Plus, D.C.-based indie popsters the Cassettes and art rockers Cataract Camp make the commute to join the party. The show starts at 9 p.m. $7. 18+ Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston. 617-566-9014.
MON 1.9
EXPLOIT BOSTONGAME NIGHT
The onset of the midwinter deep freeze means we’ve got to keep our minds sharp with something a bit more rigorous than another night of television. What could be better than a spirited game of Scrabble or UNO? And if competitors are in short supply around your house, here’s some good news. There’s a whole evening of board games happening at the Paradise Lounge on Monday. Hosted by Exploit Boston, a curated online events calendar, this happening is the perfect chance to make new friends and maybe even emerge as the board games champ you’ve always dreamt you could be. Doors open at 7 p.m. Free. 18+ The Paradise Lounge, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 617-562-8814. www.exploitboston.com
TUES 1.10
ELLIOT PERLMAN AND DAVID CROUSE
Good short stories are like bonbons, perfectly portioned treats full of hidden surprises, which can be gobbled up in twos and threes. Brookline Booksmith’s Writers & Readers Series brings together two of the most admired writers currently working in the form for a night of exquisite prose. Australian writer Elliot Perlman broke out stateside last year with his celebrated novel, ‘‘Seven Types of Ambiguity,’’ and now his wide-ranging story collection, ‘‘The Reasons I Won’t Be Coming,’’ is being imported to our shores. David Crouse established himself as a writer on the rise with his debut collection, ‘‘Copy Cats,’’ which won the prestigious Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction. Event begins at 7 p.m. Free. Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St., Boston. 617-566-6660.
