Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader, the film explores the intense relationship between a dominant lawyer and his submissive secretary, who indulge in various types of BDSM activity such as erotic spanking and omorashi. About Spader there always seems to be some unarticulated secret hovering, and Gyllenhaal avoids numerous opportunities to make her character seem pathetic, and makes her seem plucky instead--intent on establishing herself and making herself necessary. This isn't hardcore BDSM, it's just an alternative way to enjoy love. It allows us to understand what has happened without specifying it. And viewers may not be prepared for the unlikely emotions it generates. A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one. It is awkward, uncomfortable, and exists in this sort of dream world that tries to explore sexuality and depression, but winds up just sitting there and waiting for something to happen. Directed by Steven Shainberg. Excellent movie! What they discover is that, in the long run, S/M is more fun (and less trouble) for the 'M' than for the 'S.' Put simply, Secretary is an uplifting enigma. Lee is submissive. She's still given to self-mutilation and thoughts of suicide, but gives the real world a try by dating a dorky high school friend and taking a job as a secretary to an attorney. Stories about S/M often have an ironic happy ending, but this one, based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill, seems sincere enough: They've found a relationships that works. Secretary teases you, it pokes you, it entertains you, disgusts you. Something unspoken passes between them and they know they are thinking about the same thing. Well, it is a definite yes! She has to adjust to normal life after having been hospitalized following an incident of dangerous self-harm. Know all about Secretary movie collection, cast, music, trailer, crew, awards at IndianFilmHistory. Review by Mark Dujsik. Secretary earns this place because it's risque and edgy, but that's not the genius of the film, nor its crowning acheivement. Didn't know what to expect when starting this film, however very pleasantly surprised. The soundtrack to SECRETARY is absolutely amazing! Rated R By absorbing so much of Mr. Grey's time and attention, Lee, who has abysmal self-esteem, feels that attention is being paid to her. Sure, the characters are complete S&M nutjobs, but. For Strong Sexuality, Some Nudity, Depiction Of Behavioral Disorders and Language, Netflix’s Behind Her Eyes is a Well-Crafted, Completely Bonkers Thriller, Dominique Fishback on Judas and the Black Messiah, Portraying Akua Njeri, and More, NBC's Young Rock and Kenan Sitcoms are Energetic, Familiar, Why Harakiri is the Greatest Anti-Samurai Film Ever Made. It not funny, it is poorly directed, and the acting is pretty rough. Character actions are odd, awkward, and completely undeveloped, leaving the audience to wonder why something happened. Full Review Brooke Corso The Monitor (McAllen, TX) Secretary Movie Review. Sometimes you have to give a little to get a little, says Joe Queenan ... Honour review … Especially someone who likes Gyllenhaal from other pieces. That would be the final straw, since we sense that Mr. Grey is in much worse shape than Lee was ever in. It happens at least once a week. Excellent movie! “You can’t win a moral argument with me … I’ve made a deal with the devil.” So says Henry Walsh (Julian Richings) to his very pregnant patient named Shannon (Konstantina Mantelos), whom the good doctor has kidnapped and cuffed to a bed.And he’s not exaggerating. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a young woman with a history of severe emotional problems, is released into the care of her overbearing parents following a stay at a mental institution. Movies: ... don't engage with the usual romance movie cliches like mistaken signals, conflicting romantic entanglements or the inevitable 'failure to commit'. I also get my bottom smacked when I make mistakes. What more could a girl want. Mr. Grey has such bad luck with secretaries that he has an illuminated help-wanted sign out front he can light up, like the "Vacancy" sign at a motel. Details: A powerful and unique love story that toys with our expectations of love, sexuality and intimacy. Sometimes it became a… By The Mad Movie Man on March 21, 2020 110-119 mins, 2002, 6 - 7.9, Drama, Mar 20, Movies Of 2020, Review, Romance, United States … The movie does not argue that S/M is good for you, but has a more complex dynamic. Secretary review by Andrzej B - Funny and occasionally pulsatingly romantic as well as deeply dark. I honestly thought he might kill her! Spader plays Mr. Grey, a lawyer whose office looks like the result of intense conversations with an interior designer who has seen too many Michael Douglas movies. Synopsis. Here is a film where we giggle at the right times. Despite it's unusual skew, Secretary is actually one of the most romantic movies I've seen. The critically acclaimed 50 Shades of Grey, Secretary is either too smart for me or just about one of the dumbest movies I have ever seen. When he loses interest for a time and stops correcting her mistakes, she grows disconsolate; when he sharply calls her back into her office, she is delighted. Secretariat had, if the movie's account is to be believed, the heart of a champion from the moment of his birth. Maggie Gyllenhaal owns the screen with every sultry moment, and her pairing with Spader works perfectly throughout. Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. By absorbing so much of Mr. Grey's time and attention, Lee, who has abysmal self-esteem, feels that attention is being paid to her. Released from treatment, Lee takes typing classes, goes looking for work and has an interview with Mr. Grey. Tragically, it never does and the viewer is left in the awkward position of being bored to tears. Secretary is closer to something like Ionesco's The Lesson: a bizarre and absurdist evocation of power relations, licensed to go as far as it dares beyond the bounds of … The lawyer and secretary have subtle little signals by which they step out of their roles and sort of wink, so they both know that they both know what they're doing. That of course leads to affection, which can be tricky, but not for them, because both suspect there is no one else they're ever likely to meet who will understand them quite so completely. As Lee Holloway, she portrays a young woman with a strange addiction to pain, but remains engaging and easily empathized with. Since he s absent for the majority of the movie, we assume her life with him has been the same. It's also a fun ride from start to finish because you're never sure where Gyllenhaal's and Spader's relationship is going. 9 Reviews. The Secretary takes all of the standard 'love story' cliches and explores them with more honesty and meaning than any genre standard. When movies deal with kinky sex–as this story of S&M between a lawyer (James Spader) and his secretary (Maggie Gyllenhaal) does–there are generally three possibilities. Well, as a secretary myself in an obscure company that makes bobble heads I can identify with the kind of situations this movie talks about. Christine Butcher is a secretary who becomes the personal assistant to Nina Appleton, the hard headed, ambitious heir to Appleton’s, a nationwide supermarket chain. The director, Steven Shainberg, has succeeded by focusing intently on his characters, making them quirky individuals rather than figures of fun. He thinks about her. Gyllenhaal is amazing and so is. Lizzie West's "Chariots Rise" and Leonard Cohen's "I'm Your Man" are wonderful, and are very appropriate for this film. The review of this Movie prepared by a Lee Holloway, a fragile, mousy 20-something, has just gotten out of a stay in a mental hospital after a nervous breakdown. Looking for Movie Reviews on Secretary and ideas? Well, as a secretary myself in an obscure company that makes bobble heads I can identify with the kind of situations this movie talks about. Secretary is a 2002 American erotic romantic drama comedy film directed by Steven Shainberg and written by Erin Cressida Wilson, based on the short story Secretary by Mary Gaitskill. Secretary is a 1976 Telugu-language drama film, produced by D. Ramanaidu under Suresh Productions banner and directed by K. S. Prakash Rao. The movie does not argue that S/M is good for you, but has a more complex dynamic. Notable Video Game Releases: New and Upcoming, Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus. More proof that Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of the most talented, alluring, and underrated actesses working today. Sure, the characters are complete S&M nutjobs, but hey, they need happiness too. Secretary Review By Blake French Secret desires and dark, unusual fetishes make for great fiction, but few filmmakers have enough courage to tackle ideas that private. A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one. James Spader was exceptional and it took a subject that isn't all that uncommon and made it mainstream. The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song: Season 1, MUSIC: Songs from and Inspired by the Motion Picture. © 2021 METACRITIC, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Didn't know what to expect when starting this film, however very pleasantly surprised. Are you sure you want to leave and cancel your review? Jumped on the bandwagon of watching What's Wrong With Secretary Kim recently and it was indeed a breezy light watch, bearing testament to its strong ratings which has exceeded 10%, a remarkable feat for a cable drama! Spader is perfect in his role; memories of his dysfunctional sexual nature from 'Sex, Lies and videotape' and 'Crash' had me convinced of his 'perversion' from the start. Movie Review by Sarah Sloboda Maggie Gyllenhaal 's first starring role provides her with the opportunity to explore a rather demanding character, which she performs with depth and humor in Secretary . Spader is dominant and obsessive (he has a fetish for lining up red markers in his desk drawer). Sexist, unsexy, and one of the worst written films I have ever seen, Secretary is not the worst film … Their behavior, which is intended to signify hostility, eventually grows into a deeper recognition of each other's natures and needs. By Casey McCabe "Secretary" is an unlikely love story. For them. The Secretary is the second novel by Renee Knight. He demands perfection, she falls short of the mark, he punishes her, and this becomes a workable relationship. We have collected dozens of previously unpublished examples in one place. You are about to exit without submitting your review. Jeremy Davies plays Peter, the other key role, sincere to the point of being inarticulate, who for a time dates Lee. Despite it's unusual skew, Secretary is actually one of the most romantic movies I've seen. Links. Movie title: Secretary: Release year: 2002: MPAA Rating: R: Our rating: Summary: Part 'Pygmalion,' part 'Boxing Helena,' writer-director Steven Shainberg's unique but ultimately pointless S&M parable is captivating nonetheless thanks to the perfect casting of Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. Please enter your birth date to watch this video: You are not allowed to view this material at this time. The music is sexy, intriguing, sensual and seductive; with a play between darkness and light. Gyllenhaal is amazing and so is Spader, their sheer intensity during some of the scenes makes you shudder. One, it’s treated purely as a joke. "We can't go on like this 24 hours a day," Mr. Grey complains at one point. For aficionados of bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism (BDSM to those in the know), Steven Shainberg’s quirky film will no doubt become a visual anthem. He devises new games for them. He never threatens serious hurt or harm, but instead tends toward role-playing and ritual. This isn't hardcore BDSM. Because S/M involves postures that are absorbing for the participants but absurd to the onlooker, we tend to giggle at the wrong times. The movie's humor comes through the close observation of behavior. [Secretary] manages the impossible trifecta of being simultaneously funny, sympathetic, and really, really hot. The S&M is not pornographic, rather personal. Synopsis The premise of What's Wrong With Secretary Kim is actually rather… His obsessive-compulsive behavior is driving him nuts, not to mention his clients. Many of us, I’m sure, have had a boss like Nina Appleton at some point in our working lives. ''Secretary'' was adapted from a novella in Mary Gaitskill's 1988 book of short stories, ''Bad Behavior,'' and the movie's surreal, tongue-in-cheek flavor is … Secretary (Review) SECRETARY “Secretary” is a film I’ve heard a lot about over the years it’s directed by Steven Shainberg and it stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. Movie Review: Secretary. There may be better actors than James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal, but for this material, I cannot think who they are. Gyllenhaal plays Lee Holloway, who has the illness of self-mutilation and comes from a neurotic family. Secretary; Secretary Review. "Secretary" approaches the tricky subject of sadomasochism with a stealthy tread, avoiding the dangers of making it either too offensive, or too funny. The movie, to begin with, is well cast. by itchy fish. The story of an office romance with a twist, Secretary explores domination and submission. (Lions Gate), Based on 113 Ratings and Hello everyone, thank you yet again for joining us for another episode of Antonios Movie Reviews. Sexist, unsexy, and one of the worst written films I have ever seen, Secretary is not the worst film I have ever seen, but it not as far off as it should The critically acclaimed 50 Shades of Grey, Secretary is either too smart for me or just about one of the dumbest movies I have ever seen. The film was based on Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani's novel of the same name. Secretary is a funny movie with huge S&M themes. Whilst the closing minutes of the film seem to go against the unfolding plot of a tragic love story, it works perfectly in achieving its' aim of showing us that there really is someone out there for everybody. Lee doesn't see why not. I experienced it as an audiobook. What is an underdog tale -- one that's fascinating to witness -- is how an upper-crust housewife transforms herself into a pioneering horse owner who defies the old boys' network of thoroughbred breeding to keep and race her horse. Henry and his wife Audrey (Sheila McCarthy) lost their daughter and grandson Jackson in a horrible … Truly memorable performances and a truly touching film. Mr. Grey looks on jealously as they do their laundry together, and is faced with the possibility that he might lose his agreeable secretary. Get them here for free! While I appreciate the dream aesthetic to the film, it is still an unbearable film that is not something I would subject my worst enemy to. It s clear particularly in the choice before her. Sexist, unsexy, and one of the worst written films I have ever seen, Secretary is not the worst film I have ever seen, but it not as far off as it should be. Starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Vanisri and music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Far from it being a crude sexist experience it can be the highlight of my day-especially when its done in front of other people with my skirt off showing my bum in pantyhose to anyone in the room while my boss fondles himself with his free hand. Private Secretary Release Date - Check out latest Private Secretary movie review, trailer release date, Public movie reviews, Private Secretary movie release date in India, Movie … The critically acclaimed 50 Shades of Grey, Secretary is either too smart for me or just about one of the dumbest movies I have ever seen. Mr. Grey notices her. Mr. Grey notices her. Kudos to both the main actors for top-notch performances, too. The Secretary takes all of the standard 'love story' cliches and explores them with more honesty and meaning than any genre. Having to retype a letter all day because I keep making mistakes because the only reason I have the job is because I'm pretty not because I'm able to do anything properly behind a desk is just like the movie. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), is a socially awkward and emotionally sensitive youngest daughter of a dysfunctional family. With James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren. However, I believe that this film is a very powerful metaphor for finding oneself and true love, and can't be missed by the avid movie watcher. Secretary at the IMDB In much the same way as Queer As Folk pushes the barrow for the gay and lesbian crowd, Secretary takes leaps and bounds towards bringing legitimacy and empathy to another lifestyle choice. This entry was written by Movie Gazette, posted on June 17, 2003 at 12:00 am, filed under Comedy, Romance.Bookmark the permalink.Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed. I highly rate this film, good plot, fantastic characters and actors, excellent movie! It throws everything it has at you, then finds a whole lot more to throw when you least expect it. James Spader was exceptional and it took a subject that isn't all that uncommon and made it mainstream.
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