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 Secretary (2002)
Rated: R for strong sexuality, some nudity, depiction of behavioral disorders, and language.
Runtime: 104 mins.
Director: Stephen Shainberg
Writer: Erin Cressida Wilson (screenplay); Mary Gaitskill (short story)
Cast: James Spader; Maggie Gyllenhaal; Jeremy Davies...complete cast
Genre: Drama
Tagline: Assume the Position
Memorable quote: "You're not shy. You're a lawyer."
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| Mooke's commentary: ...Secretary had me grimacing, smiling, laughing, surprised, but most of all intrigued and captivated! I loved these characters and enjoyed the journey we're taken on while they try to sort themselves out..........full review |
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Guest Review by Mooke
Secretary is about Lee Holloway a young woman who is returning home after a brief stay in a mental hospital. Lee finds relief in cutting herself of a habit she tries hard to remedy. She goes to typing school and then in search of a job. This finds her at the door of a law firm run by Mr. Grey. He gives her the secretary position though he thinks she's over qualified for the job.
Gradually their working relationship becomes a little unorthodox and a sexual bond is formed. But this isn't the usual inter-office affair, it's one where S&M is the norm and typing errors are punished by spanking. Both characters are trying to find some normality in the bizarre with varying success. To tell any more would be to spoil the second half, so, I'll just say that it’s a journey worth taking.
I really loved this film! Right from the first scene it impressed me and had me hooked. At two hours it felt spot on never dragging as I enjoyed every minute and was looking forward to seeing how it would end. I didn't mind the ending in fact I rather liked it although for many it's been the letdown to an otherwise fabulous film.
I thought Secretary would be titillating/erotic but it's not. Instead I found an original, quirky, clever film about two very interesting characters. I think it's amazing that Shainberg can create a film about S&M and not make it kinky or even have you concentrating on the acts, but rather the characters and their behavior/reactions to those moments, which were fantastic. There is a romantic side to this movie, although some women find the film to be a denigration of women, but I feel they missed the point.
I don't think I'm overstating when I say Maggie Gyllenhaal (Adaptation) makes this movie! Her Lee and the way she handled herself impressed me. Slowly but surely gaining her self-respect. James Spader (Sex, Lies & Videotape) too, was convincing and perfectly cast as the quirky Mr. Grey. Also worth mentioning is the fabulous original music by Angelo Badalamenti (Mulholland Drive).
Secretary had me grimacing, smiling, laughing, surprised, but most of all intrigued and captivated! I loved these characters and enjoyed the journey we're taken on while they try to sort themselves out. I recommend Secretary very highly and hope others enjoy it as much as I did.
Mooke
Screen formats: Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1
Language and Sound: English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Closed-captioned
Other Features: Color; interactive menus; scene access; director's commentary; actor commentary; trailer.
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Complete Cast:
| James Spader......... |
E. Edward Grey |
| Maggie Gyllenhaal.......... |
Lee Holloway |
| Jeremy Davies........... |
Peter |
| Lesley Ann Warren ........ |
Joan Holloway |
| Stephen McHattie ........ |
Burt Holloway |
| Patrick Bauchau ........ |
Dr. Twardon |
| Jessica Tuck ........ |
Tricia O'Connor |
| Oz Perkins.......... |
Jonathan |
| Amy Locane........ |
Lee's Sister |
| Mary Joy .... |
Sylvia |
| Michael Mantell .... |
Stewart |
| Lily Knight. .... |
Paralegal |
| Sabrina Grdevich........ |
Allison |
| Lacey Kohl |
Louisa |
| Julene Renee .... |
Jessica |
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