FILM BRIEFS
Paging Dr. Franco
As “A Cure for Wellness” runs its course, the creepy hospital void is filled by “The Institute,” a thriller set in 19th- century Baltimore. James Franco, who co- directed with Pamela Romanowsky, stars as a mustachioed sanitarium doctor who warns his methods are “unorthodox.” They involve pain, suffering and dancing around in masks. Tim Blake Nelson, Josh Duhamel, Eric Roberts and Pamela Anderson co- star in “The Institute,” opening Friday at AMC South Barrington and on demand.
Heche, Oh get physical
Anne Heche (“Hung”) and Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy”) co- star in “Catfight” as former college friends who reunite decades later at a party. Their mutual contempt is instant and escalates until they’re brawling in a stairwell. The rivalry continues for years in this dark comedy, opening Friday at Facets Cinematheque and on demand.
Old and older in 35mm
As part of a nationwide celluloid celebration called Reel Film Day, the Music Box Theatre will present 35mm screenings of two films made almost eight decades apart. A new restoration of the mostly silent “Lonesome” ( 1928), by Pál Fejös, kicks things off at 3: 30 p. m. Sunday. Following at 5: 30 is an original print of Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch Drunk Love” ( 2002), starring Adam Sandler. Shorts and trailers in 35mm also will be shown.