Review of Secretary (2002) by Derek B — 28 Jun 2010

An enjoyable and thought-provoking study of a young woman who finds a marginally healthier outlet in the workplace for her masochistic tendencies. Possibly a serious study of submission/dominance, in which case it is much much better than Boxing Helena (no real achievement) but no match for The Piano Teacher (La Pianiste) directed by Michael Haneke. Possibly a satire of male/female relations, the caricatured roles of the modern workplace, etc etc.

Unfortunately the film loses its way about two-thirds along and tries to become more conventionally Hollywoodesque and sentimental. A shame, but nevertheless this is well worth watching, and the two leads are both excellent, Maggie Gyllenhaal in particular.

But then watch La Pianiste and see how a similar theme can be realised by a director who really knows what he's doing.