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| Secretary | |
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 Movie poster |
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| Directed by | Steven Shainberg |
| Produced by | Andrew Fierberg Amy Hobby Steven Shainberg |
| Written by | Erin Cressida Wilson Mary Gaitskill Steven Shainberg |
| Starring | James Spader Maggie Gyllenhaal |
| Music by | Angelo Badalamenti |
| Cinematography | Steven Fierberg |
| Editing by | Pam Wise |
| Distributed by | Lions Gate Films |
| Release date(s) | January 11, 2002 |
| Running time | 104 mins |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Secretary is a 2002 black comedy based on a short story from Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill. It was directed by Steven Shainberg and stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway and James Spader as E. Edward Grey.
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Plot Summary
Lee Holloway, the socially awkward and emotionally sensitive younger daughter of a dysfunctional family, adjusts to normal life after having been hospitalized after suffering a serious injury due to her tendency for self-harm. She learns to type, starts to date an acquaintance named Peter, and begins to work as a secretary for an eccentric attorney, E. Edward Grey, who hires her despite her stilted social skills and unprofessional appearance.
Though at first Grey appears highly irritated at Holloway's typos, it soon becomes apparent that he is sexually aroused by her submissive behaviour. After he confronts her about her self-injury addiction and commands that she never hurt herself again, the two embark on a BDSM relationship. Lee experiences a sexual—and personal—awakening, and she falls deeply in love. Edward, however, displays insecurity concerning his feelings for her, and he shows shame and disgust over his sexual habits. After a particular sexual escapade in his office, he fires Lee.
Peter soon proposes to Lee, who reluctantly agrees to marry him but leaves and runs to Edward's office while trying on her wedding gown, declaring her love for him. Edward at first tells her she doesn't know what she's talking about, but finally commands her to sit in his chair without moving her hands or feet until he returns. Lee eagerly complies. Days pass, as Peter, family members, and acquaintances individually come to keep her company or try to convince her to move. After three days, Edward's resistance breaks; he comes to the office and carries her out. They marry and happily continue their dominant/submissive relationship.
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
Awards
- Central Ohio Film Critics:
- Best Actress (Maggie Gyllenhaal, winner)
- Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Maggie Gyllenhaal, nominee)
- Gotham Awards:
- Breakthrough Award (Maggie Gyllenhaal, winner)
- Independent Spirit Awards:
- Best Actress (Maggie Gyllenhaal, nominee)
- Best Film (nominee)
- Best First Screenplay (Erin Cressida Wilson, winner)
- National Board of Review:
- Best Breakthrough Actress (Maggie Gyllenhaal, winner)
- Online Film Critics:
- Best Actress (Maggie Gyllenhaal, nominee)
- Best Breakthrough Performance (Maggie Gyllenhaal, winner)
DVD
The film was originally released in the UK by Tartan Video, including audio commentary. It was followed by a budget edition by Prism Leisure.
See also
References and further reading
- Erin Cressida Wilson, Steven Shainberg, Secretary: A Screenplay. Soft Skull Press, 2003. ISBN 1-887128-19-0.
External links
- Official site
- Interview with Director
- Secretary at the Internet Movie Database
- Secretary at Rotten Tomatoes
- Secretary at Box Office Mojo
- Movie stills
