The Ape (2005 film)
The Ape is a 2005 American comedy film directed by James Franco in his directorial debut. Franco also starred in, wrote, and served as executive producer of the film. Plot. Human resources drone and put-upon family man Harry imagines he could be the next Dostoyevsky if he could just get a little peace and quiet. When he moves out of his family home and into his own apartment to craft his masterpiece, his solitude is broken by an unexpected roommate, a foul-mouthed, Hawaiian shirt-wearing Gorilla. The ape harasses Harry constantly, sharing his opinions  on life, love and animal magnetism. He inspires Harry to embrace his own most carnal and base impulses. This leads to trouble at the office where Harry embarks on an ill-advised affair with his high-strung boss and makes questionable decisions during a big presentation. Back at their apartment, Harry and the ape grow closer, but it's not clear that their relationship is helping Harry's writing. His short story is rejected by the New Yorker magazine, and Harry finds himself increasingly cut off from the world outside. It all leads to a startling confrontation that is both  dark and disturbing. Release. The film was released in the United States on June 18, 2005. Critical response. "Variety" called the film "self-indulgent."