This one caught my eye in a thrift shop. The cover features James Franco (the writer, director, and lead actor) goofily rolling his eyes towards a cheap ape costume. It looked like an absolutely awful and appropriately forgotten film - something that I'm almost always willing to try.
Harry (played by Franco) has a destructive devotion to the idea of becoming a writer, aspiring to understand the human mind as intimately as his idol, Dostoevsky. His roommate, who happens to be an ape, is quick to point out the flaws in Harry's priorities and motivations, but usually just crudely disparages him. The movie's best jokes lampoon shallow business psychology, or show Harry's exaggerated descent into madness as he begins to transform into the ape himself. The ape (who is referred to as 'Ape'), cracks a few good jokes, but mostly comes off as forcefully crass. Despite being muddled, dark, and poorly paced, I enjoyed this movie. It's too dark and pretentious to recommend to most of my friends, but for those who enjoy surreal movies with an interesting concept, this one is worth a watch.
Harry (played by Franco) has a destructive devotion to the idea of becoming a writer, aspiring to understand the human mind as intimately as his idol, Dostoevsky. His roommate, who happens to be an ape, is quick to point out the flaws in Harry's priorities and motivations, but usually just crudely disparages him. The movie's best jokes lampoon shallow business psychology, or show Harry's exaggerated descent into madness as he begins to transform into the ape himself. The ape (who is referred to as 'Ape'), cracks a few good jokes, but mostly comes off as forcefully crass. Despite being muddled, dark, and poorly paced, I enjoyed this movie. It's too dark and pretentious to recommend to most of my friends, but for those who enjoy surreal movies with an interesting concept, this one is worth a watch.