Film Review: Secretary (2002)
In our seemingly enlightened times enough money and social media manipulation can transform the most free-spirited libertine into ultraconservative prude and vice versa. In such circumstances films that, unlike individuals, can’t adapt to new mores, might suffer, especially if they deal with the tricky subjects like sexuality. One of the films that was considered harmless in its time only to look “edgy”, transgressive or even unacceptable to the moral standards of New Normal is Secretary, 2002 erotic drama directed by Steven Sheinberg.
The film is based on the eponymous 1988 short story by Mary Gaitskill. Protagonist, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, is Lee Holloway, young woman whose life has ben shaped by her dysfunctional family and propensity for self-harm. Lee has spent some time in mental hospital and after the release she attempts to start normal life by learning to type and applying for the job of a secretary. She is hired by E. Edward Grey, an eccentric attorney who insists that she uses only typewriter and later gets angry when she makes typos. Lee reacts to it with obedience that begins to create sexual arousal in her boss and two of them soon start sadomasochistic sexual relationship. While Lee finds that she enjoys it, Grey becomes increasingly embarrassed over his urges. Situation becomes more complicated when Lee, in an attempt to experiment with more regular relationship, starts dating young man named Peter (played by Jeremy Davies).
Sheinberg and his scriptwriter Erin Cressida Wilson came with rather bold idea to treat sadomasochism in the same way Western culture in past few decades treated homosexuality – as nothing more than “alternative” form of sexuality rather than mental illness or unnatural aberration. In order to make this potentially risky notion more digestible to the audience, they made both main characters eccentric and filled the plot with just enough humour that Secretary can be viewed as something of a comedy. The result is very entertaining film that benefits from casting Maggie Gyllenhaal in main role. Gyllenhaal, who until that time played mostly supporting roles, enthusiastically embraced opportunity for stardom. Although the film does include explicit erotica and although she appears nude, it is her immense talent that would make Secretary memorable. She delivers the right combination of vulnerability, charm and manipulative seduction to make audience sympathise with her and ultimately adopt her unconventional lifestyle. Sheinberg, on the other hand, wasn’t that fortunate in the casting of Grey. It would be unfair to say that James Spader doesn’t try, but his character is too cold, too unlikeable and too often looks like a parody of psychopaths he played before and after this film. Most importantly, he lacks proper chemistry with Gyllenhaal. Somewhat rushed ending, although unconventional, leaves something to be desired. Yet, despite those issues and despite some bad publicity it received from ultra-feminists who accuse it for promoting male domination and similar unacceptable behaviour, Secretary is well-made and mostly entertaining film that can be enjoyed even by audience who doesn’t share its inclinations with the protagonists.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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