Review of Secretary (2002) by Manny C — 03 Dec 2013

Mary Gaitskill's infamous short story is brought to life onscreen in a film of startling wit and genuine feeling, largely due to director Steven Shainberg, who co-wrote the script with Erin Cressida Wilson.

They also owe much to two fantastic performances. Maggie Gyllenhaal is all kinds of terrific and bold as Lee Holloway, fresh out of a psych ward (she has issues with cutting and burning herself) and eager to begin her new job as secretary to domineering attorney E.

Edward Gray (a twisty and brilliant James Spader). Lee gets little support form her ditzy mother (Lesley Anne Warren), her boozy father (Stephen McHattie) and gutless boyfriend (Jeremy Davies), but Mr.

Gray has just what she needs. Gray happily indulges her need to be spanked, cuffed and made to deliver letters while crawling on all fours. Amazingly the film is less 50 Shades of Grey--dirty than sweet and humorous.

Spader and Gyllenhaal are palpably electric, imbuing Secretary with healthy does of wit, romance and compassion. Bravo.