Secretary (film)

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Secretary

Movie poster
Directed by Steven Shainberg
Produced by Andrew Fierberg
Amy Hobby
Steven Shainberg
Written by Erin Cressida Wilson
Mary Gaitskill
Steven Shainberg
Starring James Spader
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Music by Angelo Badalamenti
Cinematography Steven Fierberg
Editing by Pam Wise
Distributed by Lions Gate Films
Release date(s) January 11, 2002
Running time 104 mins
Country United States
Language English
Official website
Allmovie profile
IMDb profile

Secretary is a 2002 black comedy based on a short story from Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill. It was directed by Steven Shainberg and stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway and James Spader as E. Edward Grey.

Contents

[edit] Plot Summary

Lee Holloway, the socially awkward and emotionally sensitive younger daughter of a dysfunctional family, adjusts to normal life after having been hospitalized after suffering a serious injury due to her tendency for self-harm. She learns to type, starts to date an acquaintance named Peter, and begins to work as a secretary for an eccentric attorney, E. Edward Grey, who hires her despite her stilted social skills and unprofessional appearance.

Though at first Grey appears highly irritated at Holloway's typos, it soon becomes apparent that he is sexually aroused by her submissive behavior. After he confronts her about her self-injury addiction and commands that she never hurt herself again, the two embark on a BDSM relationship. Lee experiences a sexual—and personal—awakening, and she falls deeply in love. Edward, however, displays insecurity concerning his feelings for her, and he shows shame and disgust over his sexual habits. After a particularly sexual escapade in his office, he fires Lee.

Peter soon proposes to Lee, who reluctantly agrees to marry him but leaves and runs to Edward's office while in her wedding gown, declaring her love for him. Edward tells her to sit in his chair without moving her hands or feet until he returns. Lee eagerly complies even as Peter and a variety of visitors come to keep her company or try to convince her to move. After three days, Edward's resistance breaks; he enters the office and carries her out. They eventually marry and continue their dominant/submissive relationship.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Awards

[edit] DVD

The film was originally released in the UK by Tartan Video, including audio commentary. It was followed by a budget edition by Prism Leisure.

[edit] See also

[edit] References and further reading

  • Erin Cressida Wilson, Steven Shainberg, Secretary: A Screenplay. Soft Skull Press, 2003. ISBN 1-887128-19-0.

[edit] External links