Secretary (2002)

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Sadomasochism provides the backdrop for a very unusual employer/employee relationship in this very offbeat romantic drama from filmmaker Steven Shainberg. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a shy young woman, who, after a brief spell in a mental institution, is released in the care of her overprotective mother (Lesley Ann Warren) and hard-drinking father (Stephen McHattie). Hoping to make good on her own, Lee begins looking for a job, and in her free time indulges in her odd habit of inflicting pain upon herself in various ways. Lee is hired as a secretary by E. Edward Grey (James Spader), a grim and ruthlessly efficient attorney who warns her that her work will be both dull and demanding. Lee takes to the job with genuine enthusiasm, and while she's recently acquired a new boyfriend, Peter (Jeremy Davies), she's far more intrigued by Grey's coldly patrician demeanor. While Grey often criticizes Lee, she seems to thrive on his abuse, but one day he crosses a line when he insists upon spanking her after some minor mistake. Lee quite enjoys the treatment, and wants it to continue, but Grey can no longer take pleasure humiliating Lee when he knows that she likes it; he fires her, despite her pleas to be allowed to stay. Finally discovering the key to her sexual and emotional needs, Lee tries to persuade Peter to be rough with her, but he simply doesn't have the taste or talent for it, and Lee soon maps out a last-ditch effort to win back her position with Grey, whatever the cost. Secretary won a special award for "Originality" at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

111 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Steven Shainberg

Writer(s):

Steven Shainberg, Erin Cressida Wilson

Producer(s):

Steven Shainberg, Amy Hobby, Andrew Fierberg

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Situations, Nudity, Profanity, Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children)

Categories:

Romance, Independent Films

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• 2002 - Secretary - Chicago Film Critics Association - Most Promising Performer
• 2002 - Secretary - Independent Spirit Awards - Best First Screenplay
• 2002 - Secretary - National Board of Review - Breakthrough Performance - Female
• 2002 - Secretary - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actress - Runner-up
• 2001 - Secretary - Sundance Film Festival - Special Dramatic Jury Prize for Originality
• 2002 - Secretary - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actress - Runner-up