Secretary

Secretary Review



Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 1 user)
 




reviewer
zeichner
Minneapolis, MN

Dark Humor, Sympathetic Characters

5 star rating

thinking different, Lover of quirky, unique films, DVD collector
Pros

    Deliciously Dark Humor, Sympathetic characters


NOV
18
2007
This film follows the transformation of a troubled young woman (who compulsively cuts herself), as she becomes involved in a submissive/dominant sexual relationship with her new boss.

Maggie Gyllenhaal (in her breakout role) plays secretary Lee Holloway opposite James Spader, as lawyer E. Edward Grey. The two main characters are surrounded by a fabulous supporting cast, including Lesley Ann Warren, Stephen McHattie, Jeremy Davies, and Patrick Bauchau.

The serious subject matter - including self-mutilation, submission/dominance, domestic violence and alchoholism - is dealt with in a sympathetic, but darkly humorous, manner. While this story could have descended into "movie of the week" territory, instead it is an offbeat exploration of the various meanings of love and suffering.

The unique vision of this film lets us see all the characters as complex individuals - not simply two-dimensional representations that only serve to drive the plot. Everyone suffers and everyone deals with their suffering differently. This film shows that suffering is not without humor (in fact, suffering can often be the source of humor) - and that it might even be possible to embrace the suffering & draw strength from it.



I_thumb_up Secretary is recommended by zeichner

D
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