Martin Witz: Albert Hoffman

Joe Swanberg Dept: THE SUBSTANCE: Moviegoers eager to turn on, tune in and/or drop out have no better option than a lysergically inclined documentary that opens this week in Toronto. Directed by Martin Witz, The Substance traces the history of LSD from its discovery in 1943 by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman to its use in shadowy experiments by the CIA and U.S. military in the 50s to its role in the cultural transformations of the 60s. The fact that the Swiss government recently re-designated it for clinical use on terminally ill patients suggests that the drug story isnt over, even if famous proponents like Timothy Leary have long since left this plane of existence. The Substance starts its run on April 19 at Big Picture Cinemas east-end location 1035 Gerrard St. E. , according to The Star. PSYCHO II: Long before AaE invited viewers to make a return visit to the Bates Motel, Alfred Hitchcock 1960 horror classic spawned an official sequel in the form of Psycho II , a surprisingly crafty thriller that was a surprise hit in 1983 and led to two further screen appearances by Anthony Perkins as everyone favourite mama boy, Norman Bates. Rue Morgue monthly Cinemacabre series presents a rare theatrical screening from a 35mm print on April 25 at 9 p.m. at TIFF Bell Lightbox with screenwriter Tom Holland on deck for a Skype QaA and ALL THE LIGHT IN THE SKY: Enormously prolific despite being barely into his 30s, Joe Swanberg was widely praised for attaining a new level of maturity with All the Light in the Sky , the American director 13th ! feature since 2005. No. 14 premiered last month at SXSW. Jane Adams stars in this semi-autobiographical drama about an established actress who fears that she losing work to younger competitors like her niece. The latter is played by Sophia Takal, another filmmaker in Swanberg busy circle of peers. Continuing its mission to bring more attention to this new school of American indie auteurs, the Refocus program presents All the Light in the Sky Toronto premiere in a free screening at the Revue on April 25 at 9 p.m. JANE GOODALL DOC: Though the famed primatologist may have recently gotten herself in trouble due to allegations of plagiarism, the current scandal will hopefully not diminish her value as a defender of the environment. The Revue Cinema pays tribute to her achievements with a screening of Jane Journey , a 2010 doc on her career as an activist that includes appearances by famous friends like Angelina Jolie, Kofi Annan and Pierce Brosnan as well as plenty of hairier types. A volunteer leader at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada , Sarah Samwel will introduce the film and answer questions after the movie on April 21 at 4 p.m. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.