The Secretary

Directed by Steven Shainberg
Lionsgate Film
2002

Starring - James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lesley Ann Warren

Secretary is an absolutely brilliant film -sporting a combination of dark humour and eroticism.

It follows the story of a dysfunctional young lady, and her journey towards self discovery and sexual fulfilment.

Lee, recently released from a mental institution, sets out into the ‘real’ and terrifying world of job hunting. She finds employment as a secretary at the office of Mr E Edward Grey; an eccentric lawyer whose level of social problems match her own.

When Mr Grey discovers Lee’s tendency to hurt her self when frustrated, he is both alarmed and intrigued: alarmed at how little respect Lee has for herself and intrigued by the fact that she honestly likes the pain. After confronting the submissive Lee, Mr Grey sets out to help groom her into a confident and sophisticated woman.

Intent on pleasing her new employer, Lee strives to be the very best secretary she can possibly be; learning from her mistakes and revelling in the ‘punishment’ she receives from making them!

Their relationship develops awkwardly, but blossoms into a beautiful, yet deviant romance. And the ending…spectacular!

Spader and Gyllenhaal play these eccentric characters to perfection, contributing to an unforgettable, stirring journey into submission.