In November, 1973, a baby chimpanzee is born in a primate research centre in Oklahoma and a few days later is taken from his mother and handed over to Stephanie LaFarge, an upper-class hippy, who installs him, alongside her husband and children, in an apartment in Manhattan's Upper West Side. That's the start of Nim's story, part of an experiment run, along very eccentric lines, by Columbia University Professor Herb Terrace, the object being to see if Nim can learn to communicate by sign language.

Over a period of time, and with different 'teachers' - mostly attractive young women seemingly involved romantically with Professor Terrace - Nim gets bigger and bigger - and more difficult to control.

The story of James Marsh's riveting documentary is remarkably similar to the premise of RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, which makes this film even more fascinating. It's also comparable to Nagisa Oshima's weird 1986 movie, MAX MON AMOUR, in which Charlotte Rampling kept a primate called Max in her apartment for reasons best not discussed on a family programme. What comes across strongly in PROJECT NIM is the way the poor animal is exploited by human beings who think they're acting with the best intentions.

Marsh previously directed the equally enthralling MAN ON WIRE, and, like that film, PROJECT NIM introduces us to some very eccentric characters. Funny at times, but also deeply sad, it's a truly fascinating and well made documentary.

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