Secretary (2002)
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A woman seeking a stable life after a mental health crisis finds an unexpected connection with her demanding boss.
The story
In Clermont, Florida, Lee Holloway, the youngest daughter of a dysfunctional family, attempts to readjust to normal life after being committed to a mental hospital following an incident of self-harm. She finds employment as a secretary for E. Edward Grey, an eccentric and demanding attorney. Although Grey initially finds her presence and her preference for 'dull work' unusual, he becomes increasingly intrigued by her behavior. The two begin to navigate a complex and intense relationship that challenges their perceptions of normalcy and intimacy as they navigate the boundaries of their professional and personal lives.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After a period of self-harm and institutionalization, Lee Holloway takes a job as a secretary for E. Edward Grey. While Grey is initially annoyed by her errors, he becomes aroused by her obedience. Their relationship evolves into a BDSM dynamic where Lee finds a sense of awakening, while Grey struggles with feelings of shame and insecurity. During this time, Lee also attempts a conventional relationship with a family friend, Peter, but finds it unfulfilling. Following a series of escalating interactions, including a moment where Grey fires her out of shame, Lee eventually rejects a marriage proposal from Peter. She flees to Grey's office to declare her love. After a period of public attention regarding her presence in the office, Grey returns, and the two eventually marry and continue their unconventional relationship.
- First release year
- 2002
- Runtime (minutes)
- 107
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Steven Shainberg
- Writers
- Erin Cressida Wilson · screenplay; Steven Shainberg · story; Erin Cressida Wilson · story
- Cast and characters
- James Spader · E. Edward Grey; Maggie Gyllenhaal · Lee; Jeremy Davies; Patrick Bauchau; Stephen McHattie; Lesley Ann Warren
- Genres
- erotic; romantic comedy-drama
- Themes
- sadomasochism; identity; non-traditional relationships
- Tone and mood
- intimate; unconventional
- Setting
- Clermont, Florida
- Premise and plot tags
- BDSM; workplace romance; mental health
- Source material / true-story basis
- 1988 short story by Mary Gaitskill
- Content notes
- nudity
- Reception
- The film received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its original take on sadomasochism and its ability to handle the subject matter with a 'stealthy tread'.
- Production trivia
- The film was inspired by the 1980s film My Beautiful Laundrette.; The office set was designed to feel 'homemade' with natural materials.; The filmmakers accidentally obtained shooting rights for the wrong park.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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