Cast
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James Spader
as Mr. Grey
Maggie Gyllenhaal
as Lee Holloway
Jeremy Davies
as Peter
Lesley Ann Warren
as Joan Holloway
Stephen McHattie
as Burt Holloway
Patrick Bauchau
as Dr. Twardon
Jessica Tuck
as Tricia O'Connor
Osgood Perkins
as Jonathan
Amy Locane
as Lee's Sister
Mary Joy
as Sylvia
Michael Mantell
as Stewart
Lily Knight
as Paralegal
Sabrina Grdevich
as Allison
Lacey Kohl
as Louisa
Julene Renee
as Jessica
Crew
Director
- Steven Shainberg
Producer
- Steven Shainberg
- Amy Hobby
- Andrew Fierberg
Reviews
Wuchak
Dominance and submission at the office (um... no)
RELEASED IN 2002 and directed by Steven Shainberg, "Secretary" is a romantic dramedy about a young woman (Maggie Gyllenhaal) who spent some time at a mental hospital for self-harm (e.g. cutting). She apprehends a job as a secretary to a quirky, arduous lawyer (James Spader) wherein their employer-employee bond turns increasingly sexual in a dominant/submissive way.
This is the first mainline film in America to breach the difficult topic of BDSM, walking the balance beam between being either too amusing or too offensive. For those not in the know, BDSM is an overlap of acronyms: BD stands for Bondage and Discipline; DS for Dominance and Submission; and SM for Sadism and Masochism. I didn’t really know the movie tackled BDSM before viewing it; I thought it was simply a romance-in-the-office type flick with maybe some kinky elements.
The movie is polarizing, unsurprisingly. I read a few reviews by respectable critics and one was fascinated by it, giving it an incredible 10/10 Stars (Why Sure!), while another wrote it off as a film for sick people, granting it 1/10 Stars. Whilst I find the romance-at-the-office element interesting, I could care less about the BDSM angle. Regardless, the first half is amusing enough and Maggie is a winsome treat, but the second half gets a little too deviant and borders on porn.
Yet the movie ends well with a well-intentioned message: This is a story about two people who have an affinity for DS that find each other and their relationship may or may not work (no spoilers). I suppose the movie is trying to get across that pain can be therapeutic as long as it's applied by the right hand with the right intention. Thus two people with an affinity for BDSM can develop a relationship that works, for them. But not me; no thanks.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 47 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles. WRITERS: Mary Gaitskill (short story) and Erin Cressida Wilson & Shainberg (screenplay).
GRADE: C-
Mar 25, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Secretary examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Steven Shainberg brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Secretary took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1406 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 337 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Secretary shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Inherit the Wind, which focuses more on action than character development, Secretary subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Reclaim Your Brain and The Sea Inside explore similar territory, Secretary stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 20, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Budget: $4,000,000
- Revenue: $9,300,000
Where to Watch
