Review of Secretary (2002) by Aubrey S — 09 Oct 2016

This movie is not for everyone and probably not for most people if I'm being honest. It delves into the psychological depths behind kinks, bondage, control, family, and the unusual. It is definitely a more intellectual and thoughtful approach to portraying BDSM with only a few actual sexual scenes carefully placed throughout the film so if you want porn dressed up as a "film" go watch Fifty Shades of Grey or be honest with yourself and hop on PornHub.

In my opinion, Spader outshines Gyllenhaal in this one as he perfectly portrays an obsessive and anxiety ridden lawyer who has a hard time grappling with his out of the norm desires. Gyllenhaal's performance is noteworthy as well, she does a great job as the quirky solemn girl who has just recently been released from an institution.

Lee and Edward are like puzzle pieces that are entirely different colors but still somehow fit together, despite trying to fit in places their families and society wants them to. While I didn't think Lee's harshness towards Peter was needed to solidify her love for Edward I adored the ending.

It's such a provoking image of Lee, sitting on the porch as her husband drives off to work and children play in the street. It really makes you think of how normal she and Edward look from the outside, and if people are as ordinary as they appear.