| SECRETARY |
 2002 - USADirector:
Steven Shainberg - Reviewed by Vickie
She stars as Lee Holloway, an insecure young woman just recently released from a psychiatric ward—where she was placed for what her parents believed was a suicide attempt. Suicide? Nah, it was just a bit of self-mutilation (Lee's coping mechanism of choice in the past) that accidentally went awry. At any rate, Lee's served her time and is back in the real world. Eager to get back into the swing of things, she takes a job working at the law office of E. Edward Grey (James Spader), a weirdly detached guy who veers back and forth between panicky and authoritarian depending on the time of day. Gradually, their relationship begins to take some twisted turns. Edward, it seems, has a bit of thing for corporal punishment... even for something as minor as a typo. But that's okay by Lee, who realizes she actually *likes* this treatment. And so begins their mutually beneficial, eyebrow-raising romance that goes from spankings to dictated dining habits and stuff with a saddle. Now, some people may question the nature of this curious love affair, but one of the main themes of the film is: who are we to judge what constitutes love and affection between two consenting, happy adults? There was talk (before the screening) of the film's "graphic" content, but I was surprised because there really wasn't anything shockingly offensive. I mean, this isn't something Disney will be releasing as its next family film, but it's also not something that will be relegated to Spectravision or the curtained area of your local video store. It's a careful study of two people who each have needs, wants and desires and who, quite frankly, find their soulmates in each other. The relationship between the two lead characters is, as I said, mutually consensual and enjoyed equally by both parties. And lest anyone cry "victim!", Lee is, in fact, the one in charge despite her role as the submissive. James Spader, who always seems to land the "creep" role in whatever film he does, is perfect as Edward—equal parts nervous Nelly and brutish boss. And Maggie Gyllenhaal? So good! She has that curly lipped smile thing going on that tells the audience, "You know what? I *like* what I'm doing!" Like Spader's work, her Lee is a clever blend of insecurity and slowly realized power. She starts the film as someone whom you might pity, and ends it with a bang as someone clearly in command of her own sexuality whom you might just pursue. The supporting cast—Lesley Ann Warren, Stephen McHattie and Jeremy Davies—are all strong in their quirky roles as Lee's family and would-be boyfriend, respectively. I also have to commend the art director(s) and set designer(s), whose carefully crafted settings do subtle wonders to aid the storytelling. Thanks to a Q&A session with director Steven Shainberg, I know their goal was to create a law office like no other—someplace lush, exotic, inviting and desirable—so that it would be as appealing to audiences as it is to Lee. Ditto Lee's kaleidoscope of a bedroom, which serves as her safe haven in times of torment. They've made it clear, through their decorations and designs, why Lee would seek out either locale over the generic surroundings of the rest of the film's sets. Regardless of whether you like this movie or hate it, I'd be willing to bet it generates some discussion after it's over. And I'll put money down on the fact that Ms. Gyllenhaal will have many more doors opened for her career-wise from here on in. |
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I think Maggie Gyllenhaal might just become one of my new favorite
actors, and this bizarre little romantic comedy might just be the
reason why.
