The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

ART
Third Thursdays: Victoria's Virtue

Don't miss this edition of the MIA's "Third Thursday" art party! Based on the recently opened exhibit, Sin and Salvation: William Holman Hunt and the Pre-Raphaelite Vision, tonight's festivities reflect the visual decadence of revolutionary Victorian-era painter, Wm. H. Hunt. Hunt gained international fame for his gorgeous, meticulous works that revolved around the complexity of the male-female relationship, the evolution of women in society, religion, and science. This evening's special event will also include a screening of the famous silent film, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; a trunk show featuring fancy hat and clothing designer Ruby3; the sweet sounds of local indie popster Jeremy Messersmith -- and a few cocktails to make it all a little more sparkly (think gin and tonics!)

6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Free

FASHION
Poolside Fashion Show

For the third year in a row, the stylish peeps over at Vita.mn put on one of the most talked about summer fashion events -- The Poolside Fashion Show! Held atop the Calhoun Beach Club (poolside, of course) this hot runway show is a balanced blend of independent local designers and national brands. See over 45 looks from the likes of Max Lohrbach, Emily Weich, Bloomingdales, Benetton, Metropark, Rox Jewelry and many more. Enjoy the sizzlin' stylings of a full jazz band while the models strut their stuff and you sip a drink with an umbrella in it! Hosted by Sara Rogers, style maven from the Mall of America, and Vita.mn's own sassy party-thrower, Christian-Phillipe Quilici.

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Calhoun Beach Club, 2925 Dean Parkway, Minneapolis, $15 general, $25 VIP runway seating

FILM
The Talkies: The Saddest Music in the World feat. Guy Maddin

The Talkies' latest guest and film couldn't be more fitting. For the 5th installment in the Talkies' series, the Heights screens Guy Maddin's comic musical, The Saddest Music in the World. With his silent movies look and post-modern techniques, the Winnipeg director strives to recreate the styles popularized by the "talkies" era. Set during the Great Depression and starring Isabella Rossellini, the film follows a competition announced by a beautiful beer magnate to end all competitions: to produce the saddest music the world has ever heard. Quintessential as Maddin films go, The Saddest Music is filmed with slightly out-of-sync audio and includes a nymphomaniac amnesiac girl, a baroness amputee and a chain of other odd characters whose dialogue ranges from painfully beautiful to devastatingly disturbing. Thankfully, Maddin will be on hand to give live commentary, clearing up any cinematic confusion and revealing a few of his legendary filmmaking secrets. Never witnessed the film in all its genius glory? Arrive at 7 p.m. for a screening of the film in its original form, then stay for a second viewing featuring live commentary from the director. -Juleana Enright

7 p.m., Heights Theatre, 3951 Central Ave. N., Columbia Heights, MN, $8 ($7 Advance) for just the film, $20 ($18.50 Advance) for Maddin commentary, $20 both films