Review of Secretary (2002) by Andy W — 31 Dec 2009

Secretary stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a former psychotic ward inmate who has a pain fetish, using her new lawyer boss (James Spader) as a means to gratify this fetish on a whole new level, and also focuses on Spader's strange attraction and compulsion to it - fostering a twisted sort of romance. Sounds like the romance of the year to me, too.

But honestly...yeah, it really was a good romance. I didn't know what to expect, but it delivered pretty damn well!

One of the random thoughts I had watching this was, this could have easily turned into a horror movie at several points. I could easily picture this same setup ending with Gyllenhaal's character running after Spader with a bloody ax. That would be pretty hilarious, but it would lack a certain...something that this has.

No, this is a drama/romance with some black comedy thrown in for extra measure. This movie is repellent at times, the subject matter obviously taboo, played off in this frank, direct way that forces you to either confront it or turn it off. The acting is really phenomenal, and you get to believe that Gyllenhaal and Spader ARE these characters they're playing. The whole thing is done well, with subtlety in some places and stunning clarity in others. A contrast of light and shadow you could say. It portrays sadism and masochism in a relatively realistic light even through the more comedic touches, which I wish were more prominent. The ending was rushed, but it leaves a good taste in the viewer's mouth either way.

This is a bit of an odd movie...okay, a very odd one...but its witty nature and stark honesty make it quite a pleasure to watch. Not half bad at all I say!