Secretary Movie Review:


Secretary is a frantic, weird and disturbing comedy that is also very original. The film won a special jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival for originality this year and is being released by Lions Gate Films.

The themes captured by director Steven Shainberg are ones that have not been presented in the manner that they are in this film. Outside of the lead character's self-mutilation, a central element to the film is the sadomasochism that indulges the two lead characters, Lee (Gyllenhaal) and Edward (Spader). Sadomasochism is defined as gratification gained through receiving or inflicting pain. The disturbing elements are presented in a way to where at times it is funny, but makes you cringe as well.

The story itself is about a bizarre love-work relationship between Lee and her boss E. Edward Grey. The film opens with young Lee Holloway being released from a mental hospital after receiving treatment for self-mutilation. Her mother (Warren) is over protective and her father (McHattie) is a full-blown alcoholic. Along with turning back to mutilating herself, Lee gets hired as a secretary for a local lawyer named E. Edward Grey. He is a tortured soul that doesn't necessarily like, but lives for employee empowerment. He keeps a line of red markers on his desk to use for proofreading Lee's typing. In fact, he is so hard to work for that he has a secretary wanted sign outside his office that lights up each time the position needs to be filled. However Lee is different, she is innocent and jumps at each order he barks. Thus leading both thriving with sexuality in their master-slave type of punishment acts. I would go further into detail of the actual sadomasochist acts; I will let you witness the countless grotesque acts yourself.

Director Steven Shainberg has an in-your-face delivery that contributes to the film's complexion and wholeness. He has his own tricky style that contains many quick cuts and great close-up for reaction shots. His direction is nothing great, but he captures exactly what he wants. I also give him credit for capturing the themes of the film in a way that will keep more audiences watching rather than walking out of the theater in disgust. There are some very overboard moments towards the end with issues of the media, obsession and purity. Shainberg overall does an adequate job.

The director co-wrote the screenplay with Erin Cressida Wilson, which is based off of the short story by Mary Gaitskill. Like I said earlier, the story is absolutely in another place, but highly original. Many audiences might not catch a clue about this film, so to speak. It is a hideous story that reminded me of some past weird scripts like Being John Malkovich (1999) and Happiness (1998). Though I loved Being John Malkovich's writing and thought that Happiness was way overboard, Secretary is sort of a medium thread. The script has disturbing moments, but some of them come across as funny, funny in a dark way. The writing is gratifying to what the story calls for. This script isn't overboard or innocent either. It is all about these two characters' hidden desires and sexuality. Lee and Edward are two complex and what writers call "good-sick" characters. The supporting characters are dexterous as well, in which they are added pawns to Lee and Edward's chess games.

James Spader turns in one of his best and twisted acting performances as E. Edward Grey. Right from the first moment that you see him cringing and checking his hair to the end of the film, Spader is self-absorbed and striking. Newcomer Maggie Gyllenhaal proves that she is a real deal character actress with her great performance as Lee. She smiles, cries, sniffles, taps her foot and does a lot more as a character with many ticks and tactics. Gyllenhaal is going to be an indie star, not to mention that her brother Jake is pretty good too. Saving Private Ryan's Jeremy Davies turns in a likeable supporting performance as Lee's chewed-up and desperate boyfriend Peter.

Secretary is a film that I don't believe all audiences will flock to or enjoy. I will say it straight; this film isn't for everybody. The film is disturbing, but also funny. There are some moments that I found horrendous, but I couldn't help but commend this film's originality and acting.

Report Card Grade: B

Joseph C. Tucker

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