Arts and entertainment highlights, Nov. 23-29

Movies

"A Christmas Tale"

French director Arnaud Desplechin's film is a marvel of intimate character study, revealing a wealth of behavioral complexity among the members of a dysfunctional family gathering for Christmas. The outstanding ensemble cast includes Catherine Deneuve and Mathieu Amalric. At Seven Gables. For showtimes, see Page 7. For Jeff Shannon's four-star review, go to www.seattletimes.com/movies.

"Fuel"

Josh Tickell's dynamic and persuasive documentary about clean energy sources and America's doomed addiction to oil is a must-see, and not just for environmentalists. At the Varsity. For Tom Keogh's four-star review, go to www.seattletimes.com/movies.

"Slumdog Millionaire"

One of the year's most appealing heroes is introduced in this rags-to-riches fairy tale. Dev Patel plays Jamal, an orphaned boy who grows up on the streets of Mumbai only to wind up on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." At the Harvard Exit. For Moira Macdonald's three-and-a-half-star review, go to www.seattletimes.com/movies.

Nightlife

Cheech & Chong

Flashback to the '70s: Cheech & Chong "Light Up America" at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle, $42.50-$56.50 (206-628-0888 or www.ticketmaster.com).

Seattle International Comedy Competition

After weeks of comic throwdowns, five finalists face off for the top spot this week at various venues around Puget Sound. The winner will be named next Sunday at Seattle's Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, $20 (866-468-7623 or www.ticketweb.com). For a complete schedule and ticket info, go to www.seattlecomedycompetition.com.

Theater

"Black Nativity"

If you need a little extra jolt to get you into the spirit of the season, you'll find it at Intiman's gospel-infused "Black Nativity," by Langston Hughes. Previews begin Saturday; it opens Dec. 5 and runs through Dec. 27, 201 Mercer St., Seattle; $15-$45 (206-269-1900 or www.intiman.org).

Classical music

Brandi Carlile with Seattle Symphony

Singer Carlile is a dazzling talent Seattle claims as its own (she hails from Maple Valley). Now, after a string of sold-out dates in Portugal, she makes her debut at Benaroya Hall. Good luck getting tickets; your best bet is to call for last-minute availability. 8 p.m. Saturday, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; sold out (206-215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org).

Dance

Nutcracker

Pacific Northwest Ballet's beloved version of the holiday classic features phantasmagorical sets and costumes by illustrator Maurice Sendak. It opens Friday and runs through Dec. 30, McCaw Hall, Seattle Center; $24-$120 (206-441-2424 or www.pnb.org).

Visual arts

Claire Cowie

Head to James Harris Gallery to see 12 of the Seattle-based artist's evocative new landscapes. Also on view are Yunhee Min's bold geometric paintings. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, through Dec. 20, 312 Second Ave. S., Seattle; free (206-903-6220 or www.jamesharrisgallery.com).