Review: Secretary

Year: 2002
Genre: Romantic Drama
Stars: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren & Stephen McHattie
Director: Steven Shainberg

Overview: What can be generally described as a romantic drama, Secretary is a simple story about a woman falling in love with a man and how two complicated souls can truly complete each other...albeit in a very unorthodox way. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has returned from the mental hospital to find none of the family problems in her household have dissipated since her "breakdown". Convinced to take up a trade, Lee takes a secretary job at the law offices of E. Edward Grey (Spader), a draconian task master who Lee immediately admires despite his harsh treatment of her. What starts as admiration however soon blossoms into full blown obsession as the abrasive Mr. Grey and the submissive Lee become entangled in each others mind games.

Writing: The writing of this picture has all the laudable qualities of a low profile independent drama. It's funny, bittersweet and has a cleverness that pokes fun at relationships romantic and otherwise. I am usually weary of movies where the romance is the main story but Secretary has very lofty ambitions and dares to go where few films do; which sets it apart from the usual fare.

Directing: This film has all the hallmarks of an atmospheric drama, complete with subtle changes in light and bourgeois sets complete with antiquated typewriters and family brick-a-brack. As things become amorous on screen however Shainberg creates an erotic mood comparable to some of Hollywood's steamiest sex scenes, doing so with little nudity or even sex. Shainberg has a good sense of the provocative making nearly everything, from pouring coffee to watering plants, erotic.

Acting: Though the writing of this movie is exceptional, its important to mention, what is really important about the script is what is not said, or rather subtext. This quality cannot be possible without brilliant acting, which is supplied by the leads Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. Both have an undeniable chemistry and display a sexiness that truly lights up the screen. Spader's Mr. Grey tries hard to distance himself from his carnal attachments to Lee, culminating in a quiet self-loathing that only James Spader can pull off. Maggie Gyllenhaal's Lee goes through a stunning transformation from mousy to self-affirming with such aplomb that she was nominated for a Golden Globe the year this film was released. Lee's clear desire to connect with Mr. Grey is just as strong as his need to stay aloof; a ying to his yang. Special mention must also go to Jeremy Davies as Lee's nerdy boyfriend she eventually dumps.

Bankability: Though this film sets a distinct mood, it would be hard to strictly categorize it as either a romantic comedy or romantic drama. Secretary tows the line between the two and therefore doesn't fit a convention, though that's not a bad thing. As for the bankable talents, Maggie Gyllenhaal's star has certainly been rising over the past few years, managing to balance strong supporting roles in films like World Trade Center and Crazy Heart and meaty lead roles in obscure but well intentioned films like SherryBaby. Though a little green by industry standards, with her girl-next-door good looks and acting gifts, I hope she becomes a regular fixture on the big screen for years to come. James Spader on the other hand has had a long career on television and movies no doubt injecting his Emmy award winning persona non grata Alan Shore with a little of Mr. Grey.

ALL-Factor: Secretary made quite an impression when first introduced to the public through the independent film festival circuits. I was fortunate enough to see it in theatres and, while I felt a little awkward watching it with high school chums, it still resonates with me to this day. The characters motivations are never put into question but their communication, or sometimes miscommunications making them likable. You really start to root for them to be together in the end, a quality that sets the golden rule for all modern romance stories.

Conclusion: There's is a joke that reminds me of this film; a masochist walks up to a sadist and says "hit me, hit me" and the sadist says "no." Though I have been dancing around the subject, this film is indeed about sadomasochism, not the whips, chains and gimp suits kind we are all accustomed to seeing but rather the psychology behind it. Those willing to try something different won't be disappointed and this recommendation isn't limited to the sexually promiscuous but the squeamish as well. For a movie about such taboo subject matter, its surprisingly accessible, which makes us all winners in the end.