Are you tired of throwing down $11 to see a movie that was recommended by a film critic, only to find that your hard-earned dough just went down the toilet? In this town, anyone who's wielded a camera, directed a college short, or written a review for the Pico Post is an expert. If you're looking for the real deal, try Stephen Farber's Reel Talk preview series. Currently a highly respected critic for The Hollywood Reporter and the Daily Beast, Farber is also a film historian, author, instructor and writer for publications such as Esquire, New York, Harper's Bazaar and Film Comment . Twenty-five years of experience have given him the chops and connections to assemble exceptional film presentations with compelling guests. Tonight, the second of a 10-week series, focuses on Chloe, a psychological thriller from director Atom Egoyan (The Sweet Hereafter) featuring Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson and Amanda Seyfried. “It's a daring, sexually provocative movie,” Farber says, “with themes about prostitution, experimentation and bisexuality.” Screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson will be on hand to elaborate. “She's pushed the envelope with Secretary and Fur,” he says. “It's interesting that a woman is willing to deal with themes American writers and filmmakers rarely tackle.” Wadsworth Theatre, Veterans Administration, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., building 226, L.A.; Mon., March 22, 7 p.m., $20, with student I.D. one hour prior to screening, $10. (800) 982-2787. –H.D.

Mon., March 22, 7 p.m., 2010

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