Mulliga (25 May 2012)

Certainly not for kids

(minor spoilers)At times as graphic as a softcore porn movie, "Secretary" features two goodperformances by Gyllenhall (who should have received first billing) andSpader. While the movie takes a dive near the end by drifting into typicalrom-com territory, it's unique enough to stay memorable andwatchable.Gyllenhall definitely deserved an Oscar nomination for her work - not todemean anyone else, but she really does a lot of acting here that is headand shoulders above most movies. She also transforms her looks andmannerisms - from mousy typist to gorgeous seductress. Not a truly greatmovie, but a good one nonetheless.Watch with an open mind.

(24 May 2012)

Wickedly sexy fun (may be spoilers)

Very humourous. Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as the shy, painfulgirl who trades cutting (self-inflicted) for spanking from her equallyawkward boss (some guy not used to being dominant, as his wife, who hadnowdivorced him, treated him like dirt).Off-beat and fresh (can't beat putting bugs in the office, bugs on linen).Totally wicked fun!

Graham Robinson (23 May 2012)

Offers something few films even attempt: an honest depiction of the role sex plays in everyday life as a source of empowerment and healing.

(22 May 2012)

Whap!

When I see a film such as Secretary, I can't escape the impression that the filmmakers use their material (in this case, S&M) for the purpose of simply selling the film--in an ongoing race (in Hollywood) to have the most bizarre, most formerly taboo subject on the table--in order that it will be talked about and, ultimately, that it will sell-rather than for the purpose of shedding light on an unmentioned or under appreciated human condition.It was difficult for this viewer to relate with any of the main characters. To a person they were neurotic. Cutting one's self, for example, is not a healthy thing. And the subject matter was all about sex and little more (anything new these days?). The Secretary implicitly presents itself as a psychological drama, yet that aspect of the film doesn't quite work. I never came to an understanding of what drove either of the primary characters in their obsessive-compulsive desires. Yes, Lee, the main protagonist, has a troubled family, including an alcoholic father. But that doesn't adequately explain her behaviour. The other main person, E. Edward, has little known background; he's just, well, very obsessive and not all that consistent as a character. Nonetheless, the Secretary was visually well put together and the acting, especially by Maggie Gyllenhaal, was superb. And if you can't get enough of sex in films, this one is rather titillating-although not in the usual way. If you really enjoy psychological drama with a sexual undercurrent, the 50's film "Suddenly, Last Summer" covers the ground very well. Secretary is not recommended for viewing with your grandmother or with pre-adult children.

David N. Butterworth (22 May 2012)

Fancy a little S&M? If so, then the kinky Secretary should be right up your alley.

Phil Villarreal (22 May 2012)

Equal opportunity exploitation.

David Elliott (21 May 2012)

If you don't flee, you might be seduced. If you don't laugh, flee.

Louise (21 May 2012)

Risque

I wanted to see this film, after seeing a trailer, mentioningPAIN/PLEASURE!I like "Lee's" colourful room and the lovely colourful butterflies shownhere, there and everywhere!The graphic discipline scene reigns supreme!The final song is very special!The film is amongst the top ten of the year!

smaurer1 (19 May 2012)

Original, touching, puzzling

As every other review notes, this is a very original and interesting movie, which manages to be mostly sweet and romantic whereone would least expect it. However, the movie was also puzzling and unsatisfying in anumber of ways. While Lee's behavior made sense to me -- herliking taking orders and punishment grows naturally out of herpsychiatric past -- E Edward Gray's behavior makes much lesssense. His being a repressed individual is not enough to explainseveral sudden turns, where he first orders Lee to bend over for aspanking, later where he masturbates on her, then when herejects her, and finally where he accepts her. But perhaps I shouldnot ask that a strange character's development be understandable. Perhaps it is not the duty of a movie to make itscharacters make sense.Anyway, there were other puzzling aspects to this movie. Whatyear does this take place in? (I would guess 1960 except for themention of computers.) Whatever the year, wouldn't someone haveperceived or objected to sexual harassment? How can Mr Greyafford such a large (and bizarrely appointed) office when he doesso little work? Should I just ignore such questions and simplydelight in the mood created?Let me second all the comments about the wonderful acting byMaggie Gyllenhaal. For instance, we learn that she discovers,during her first spanking, that she really likes it, by just theslightest smile coming over her reddened face. Or consider thewonderful scene, after Grey has withdrawn his "affections", whereshe goes to the bathroom and tries to spank herself, not veryeffectively. There are many wonderful scenes in this movie,although also several others than are very uncomfortable. It was aromantic comedy, but one where it was hard to laugh.

(19 May 2012)

Only for the Open Minded

I will willingly watch any movie of any kind, and go along with the story so long as it keeps me under its spell. Which is exactly what this movie did for me. It's my new favorite movie."Secretary" is funny (in it's own strange way) and absolutely mesmerizing. If you can get past the fact that every character in this movie is bizarre and just go with it, you will love it. It's been awhile since a movie has made me this happy. I've been watching far too many depressing and unoriginal movies that left me feeling like the future of my attending a movie screening bleak. Lee has just been released from an institution, and it's the day of her sister's wedding. Early on, she is very odd and you wonder what the heck is going on. She's cutting herself, and her father is an alcoholic. Life is not very happy for our dear odd bird, Lee. Then she applies for her first job as secretary to E. Edward Grey. Her existence takes quite a turn once working for Mr. Grey.Mr. Grey is into S&M, and when Lee starts making typos, he gives the bad girl something to remember him by. She loves every minute. This is what floats their boat, so to speak...If it makes them happy then so be it. Per his request, she stops cutting. He also tells her what to do all the time, even what to eat for dinner, and she gladly obliges. She does everything he tells her. Underneath her submissiveness, Lee is embarking on a very weird journey into finding herself and falls in love. It has some great dialogue, too. Now when I answer the phones at work, I smile and laugh to myself, and all I can think of is this movie. It's brilliantly acted by all the actors especially Maggie. Her performance was the best of all actresses in the year 2002 that I had to the distinct pleasure to witness. She took on the role and truly made it a spectacle to see. It was like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly. I thought that she and James Spader had an amazing chemistry together. I say to each is own, some of us appreciate films that push the buttons of others. This film is worth watching.Also, I am a Secretary myself, and couldn't help but laugh at a lot of the scenes between Lee and Mr. Grey. I've worked for some real strange men, but no one was quite like E. Edward. This movie should be shown on Sundance on April 23rd, to pay homage to all secretaries like me.

(09 May 2012)

Not what you would expect

I had no idea what to expect when popping this one into the DVD player. At first I thought it was bit much with the main character cutting herself and then submitting to spanking and domination by James Spader (Way creepy. What is it with that guy anyway?). But there's a humor there I haven't seen and an unexpected sweetness...by the end I was bewitched by this movie and all its weirdness. Horribly addicted, I watched it twice in one day, back to back. And I'll probably do the same thing tomorrow. This just made my top 10 fav movie of all time list. So if you are looking for something offbeat, unusual, and refreshing from Hollywood, this would be a great place to start. I havent had a movie touch me like this since....I don't know. :)The soundtrack is also incredible, check it out. I havent stopped listening to it for days.

mezzamac (09 May 2012)

Visually Splendid, Wonderful Film

Secretary is a wonderful film in so many ways. Each element of the film- be it visual, script, actors etc all complement each other and workcohesively to tell a beautiful love story.What I love most of all is that despite the subversive nature of thecharacters involved, that is not what the story is really about. It ismerely a different viewpoint from which to explore a subject close toeveryone's heart - finding someone to share experiences and life with.Having not encountered the realm of Lee and Edward's fantasies in myown life, I had at first expected to find it difficult to relate totheir desires and needs. Quite the contrary, the film invites you tounderstand and empathize with their motivations and troubles. ThoughtEdward is often dismissive and distant, you get a very strongimpression of his reason for being. Similarly, Lee undergoes a lot ofgrowth and finally accepts who she is.Brilliantly acted, Secretary is never sleazy, always interesting and awonderful study of "the human condition"

John Venable (01 May 2012)

...check it out if you're into S&M, self-mutilation, or feel that normal love stories are boring.

Terry Lawson (30 April 2012)

A good piece of writing.

(22 April 2012)

Ouch!

It's VERY refeshing to see an unconventional love story like this one. I have gotten fed up watching offerings such as Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Maid in Manhattan. Yes, they are feel-good movies but sometimes, I do wondered if those movie moguls are insulting our intelligence. This movie illustrated to us that love could & would happen to anyone of us, & love needn't be fallen to us in a conventional way by any means. What is love, we might say. It's naughty, surprising, tantalising & humorous in a dark way. There isn't much addition in the DVD other than the commentary. For those of you that yearn to watch something out of ordinary, please give this movie a go. You would be pleasantly surprised! Recommended.

(22 April 2012)

Wonderful Cult Film

Wonderful movie. Some of our puritanical American viewers might get stuck on the sexual content and reject this film (probably out of a sense of their own sexual inadequacies). This movie goes much deeper than raw eroticism. It is a wonderful commentary on individuality and the psychology of individuality. This film celebrates the uniqueness of the individual human spirit. This film screams about acceptance and appreciation of oneself -- and to acknowledge and honor the normal and quirky traits we all possess. This movie is truly a great film. It will undoubtedly go down as an important cult classic -- I would argue on the same par as cult classics "The Graduate" and "Harold and Maude." The performances by Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader are first rate. These were likely too very difficult roles to pull off and they did it superbly.

(22 April 2012)

The Darkest, Sexiest Movie I Have Seen In A Long Time

This is not your typical Hollywood movie...that would be the understatement of the year. Lee Holloway has just gotten out of a mental institution, only to find that life on the outside is still has painful as she remembered. She copes by cutting herself with sharp objects she keeps inside of a pink box covered in butterfly stickers (a sinister and original prop). She lands a job as a secretary for a complete freak of a human being, E. Edward Grey, who delights in punishing her when she makes typos or sniffles too loudly. They flirt using red pens and dead worms. From self-mutilation to sado-masochism, this is the darkest, sexiest movie I have seen in a long time.

Kurt Berger (21 April 2012)

Thoughtful and yes, sentimental.

Those Gyllenhalls, they sure can act. Maggie, like her brother Jake, turnsin great performances like they're routine - she makes it look easy. In'Secretary', she delivers a layered, complex performance as Lee Holloway, adisturbed young lady who deals with stress by cutting herself - the painpushes away everything else that's bothering her.As she's released from an institution back into the world, she takes herfirst job as secretary to lawyer E. Edward Grey, played by James Spader. From then on, the movie explores their relationship and how it affects Lee,taking her from the quiet, self-damaging wallflower into the determined andstrong woman she becomes. The film's use of S&M in the relationship between Lee and Mr. Grey makes ita bit controversial, but it's not really the focus here. The idea of Lee asthe submissive and Mr. Grey as the dominant have little to do with theirsexuality and everything to do with their personality issues.Lee can't handle extreme emotion without resorting to pain, because shecan't take control of her own life. What she sees in Mr. Grey is love -absolute love, the likes of which she can't find with her fiance Peter(Jeremy Davies). That love allows her to give him the power of her pain -by doing that, she's finding something worthy to focus on instead of thenothingness of her sewing kit and iodine. Mr. Grey, for his part, is a man who can't deal with anything except in hisown ordered, regimented way. He cares for his orchids but little else, andthe steps he takes with Lee open up his wary heart. He's slower to developthan she is, and to take the final steps towards a real, lastingrelationship, he has to be dragged there by the force of Lee's ownwill.The key to this film - and S&M relationships in general - is that Lee (thesubmissive) has all the power, not Mr. Grey (the dominant). She sets theterms by which the relationship will be conducted, seemingly for the firsttime in her entire life (including the relationships with her family). Leefinds love and desire in Mr. Grey, and pursues it while healing her ownshattered psyche in the process.Maggie Gyllenhall is luminous here. She can say more with a facialexpression than most can in a Shakespearean soliloquy. She gives herselfcompletely over to the part, without a wink or a nudge that she's justkidding, or thinks any part of this is silly. She becomes Lee Holloway,which is the best compliment you can give an actor. Spader, for his part,follows in a long string of oddballs, but doesn't go over the top, as hecould have been tempted to do. This is Maggie's movie, and he supports itand plays off it well.Rating: 8/10, based on the strong performance of Maggie Gyllenhall and thecharacter of Lee Holloway, but nocked down due to a poorly-constructedfinale that just doesn't fit with the rest of the film. Highlyrecommended.

ematerso (20 April 2012)

not what I expected

This has been on t.v. a lot lately and I never tuned into it because Ihad it confused with "The Secretary" which we have seen. Anyway surfinglast night came upon it and we settled down to watch. I say settled butthis is an unsettling movie. Actually the two things that bothered memost had nothing to do with acting or plot. First, this may be thefirst time I have seen Maggie G and I was really bothered by herposture and frankly, figure. She must be very tall The other thing isthe office layout. It seemed to be an unusually large office with herdesk down that very long corridor. Were there any other lawyers workingthere? And how with the amount of business he seemed to do, could heafford such a posh but strange place. Who was the woman who stamped onhis coat? Why was a sadist so afraid of her? Then later it looked likethis same woman was in the scenes at Lee's house. I know this can notbe right but it looked like the same woman. Maybe a whole lot wasexplained in the first few minutes we missed!

south832-1 (19 April 2012)

effective but dysfunctional love story

Always found Gyllenhaal's character's arc ironic. She is involved in self-mutilation because of her unresolved mentalissues. Instead of solving those issues, which follows in stoppingself-mutilation, she finds another person to do the damage for her.While this might be less "physically" damaging, and less damaging toher psyche, it is no way a healing process. It would have worked if shewere a kind of masochist whose system is simply made this way--as, sheenjoys pain, and is very lonely because there is no one to understandher, and her lovers considered her a freak. But her self-mutilation isnot a sexual issue, but a mental one. It is shown that way. So the result of her character arc is like that of a person who says "Iused to have problems snorting a bit of coke now and there, now I'msmoking pot all the time, and I'm so happy and healed, because potwon't make my nose fall off and is much more pleasant anyways." Her issues aren't going anywhere. They are simply channeled into a morecomfortable direction. One can call it supporting therapy. Imaginethose two break up. Wanna bet that depression will strike and she willcut herself within the next 24 hours? Spader's character has hisissues, one of them loneliness and fear of opening up, more sexualized,but we are left with a feeling there is more to them than that. So, yes it is a love story. A story of mutual emotional dependency. Buta story of solving issues and healing?No way. None of them can be emotionally whole and fully functioning ontheir own, without each other. And that's what mental health is allabout. Being a self-sustained, self-supporting system.