This movie has been around for a while, but I just recently read some great things about it. I was very excited to receive it, which is usually a portent of doom for the movie. It pays for me to NOT be too excited about a film - to not expect too much. If I do, I'm disappointed.
I love it when an exception to the rule happens. Shit - this is a cool movie.
Secretary was directed by Steven Shainberg. For some reason, I can understand a director picking up a script and loving it. Especially if the director helps adapt the story into a screenplay. The director then has a vision of what he (thinks he) will do with the movie. But how the hell do the actors get comfortable with that vision, particularly when the script is about an S&M love story?
I felt this way about Lars and Real Girl, for example. I try to explain to people that it is not a sex story about a sex doll, but it's hard to understand till you see the film. This is the same type of difficult situation.
Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Lee, fresh out of an institution. She likes to cut herself. Well, she gets released, but she's still in pain - that is apparent. She goes to secretarial school and starts work for Mr. Grey (James Spader). Turns out Mr. Grey is the puzzle piece that fits her perfectly. Of course, nothing is so easy. When two people with such specific requirements suddenly find the right one, do they understand they've found the right one? Do they believe they deserve it?
This is a fun, sad, thought-provoking movie with great performances. It has far less sex or nudity than most blockbusters do, but the nudity and sex scenes are not mainstream. I'm OK with that. I'm sick of obligatory sex scenes and perfect lighting. I think I might buy this one.
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