Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-24 22:13:42

Can't stop watching this unique, superb film

I recently resubscribed to HBO in order to watch "Angels in America" (first-rate, incidentally) and stumbled across SECRETARY. I had never heard of the film, knew nothing about it - which is so rare and wonderful these days to be able to completely form one's own opinion about a film. First off, I have now watched the film, or most of it, at least three times over the last week or so (for once, I'm happy with all the repetition on a movie channel). I just can't resist each time I see it listed on HBO's schedule. I know the main reason: Maggie Gyllenhaal. I had never heard of her either, and her acting in this film - even her mere presence on the screen - is magnetic, electrifying, multi-dimensional, honest, sexy, smart . . . I may not have heard of her before but I'll be watching whatever else she does from now on!Secondly, James Spader, Gyllenhaal's costar, is well cast as her boss, in a role in my opinion played perfectly: perfectly understated, perfectly reserved, perfectly sexy . . . in fact I have now added James Spader to my list of most sexy men in films today.If you want a debate about S&M, read some of the other reviews.The two important things I believe you need to consider in order to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate this film are: (1)Appreciate the comedy! If you can't see the wit and comedy in this film, and appreciate the genius comedic moments of both Gyllenhaal and Spader, (as well as other supporting players) you are missing the point; and (2) Don't take the S&M so seriously, but understand that the film supports the reason for it, builds the justification for it logically and intelligently from the start, and successfully transitions the characters based on the S&M relationship to a fitting resolution.As stated above, can't stop watching, or thinking about, this unique, superb film. And I bet you 10 bucks it will excite most women like me - who despise hard-core porn and find soft-core porn just silly - but will find the sexuality in this film (both mainstream and otherwise) a steamy, sensual, turn-on.

TheGame2k2 2012-05-24 10:11:20

An Odd But Very Good Movie

Director Steven Shainberg brings this well acted, well written, almostsoft-porn like movie to life.The story is about a woman named Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) whois a very sensitive and emotional person, is hospitalized for a seriousinjury, but when she is released, she has to adjust to normal life.Trying to find a job, she gets a job as a secretary for a business mannamed E. Edward Grey. While at first he appears to be angry with herfor her mistakes with typos, he is actually attracted to her because ofher submissiveness. He has a fetish of his own for BDSM, and introducesLee to the experience, she is actually becomes attracted to him becauseof it.When looking at the description of the movie, its previews, and how themovie starts, it is very easy to mistake this movie for a porn flick.However, it is a very dramatic and fairly dark toned tale.Maggie Gyllenhaal gives an absolutely tremendous performance and goesto extremes that many actresses will not go to for one movie. I reallyfelt she deserved to win the Golden Globe for Best Actress, which shewas nominated for. It is surprisingly very well written, it is a verygood story.If there is any downside to this film, its the films pace. It does havea couple annoying slow moments that seem highly unnecessary, but thatis a small downside.This movie is absolutely for adults only. The original release issurprisingly very sexually graphic for an R rated film and there issupposedly an unrated version of this movie on DVD but that is hard tofind right now.Overall, a much better film then i thought it was going to be and it isdefinitely worth watching.

fishandshark 2012-05-24 11:20:58

something different in a wonderful way

Maggy Gylenhaal wonderfully cute, James Spader intriguing and sexy,splendid performance by both actors. Phenomenal directing,sophisticated details, artistic composition, ingenious idea. I love thestory. It is a classic love story but alternatively presented. Adoreall that waiting, yearning, Mr. E. Edward Grey's refrained passion,searching for perfection, and the culmination in total surrender tomutual perfect love and compatibility. Casting is perfect! Allover, oneof my favorite movies! Don't want to say more and reveal the plot, justpick an evening for yourself, or you can watch it with somebody who isa little bit open minded, not too square that is. And of course,without children (or your parents). Just sit back with a glass of wineand enjoy! This film is worth it.

2012-05-23 23:24:35

The Secretary

This review is from: Secretary (DVD) For the mature, this is a delightfully delicious romp into the realm of fetish! Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader are wonderfully teamed as two unusual people evolving into their greater selves. While there were moments I reached for the remote...thinking I might wish to speed through what appeared to be too unseemly a reality, I never really had to press the button. The movie stayed "tastefully" this side of cruel, while educating the viewer of the "lesser" needs of the desperate. For all the unsavory subject matter, that I can dare to say that this is actually a "feel good" movie is the greatest compliment to everyone involved in the making of the film. In less gifted hands, it could have easily gone over the line into repulsion. But, everyone involved was/is a true artist in their own right, and we, the viewing public, are given the benefit of those skills. For those wanting to expand their own borders, this is a fine movie to watch along the way. You'll be glad you did! I highly recommend this film for the "mature" and the "evolving" soul.

visualplant 2012-05-23 08:43:27

love

Simply one of the best movies I've ever seen, and the most moving lovestoryIcan remember.In my top 5 list with Harold & Maude, The Graduate andRushmore.Two quirky, original characters emerge from this story, but not untilwe'vewatched them interactand eventually fall in love. In fact, as the film opens we learn about twopeoplewe really don'tlike. Lee is a dysfunctional, unassertive, ex-mental patient. We feelsorryfor her,but find herannoying and unappealing, her bad posture, habits and dress. The Lawyerwhohires her (James Spader)appears a mean, cold, bitter professional with no respect for anysecretary,nevermind a neurotic one.But these apparent negative qualities in both immediately begin to changeasthey become acquaintedthrough odd sado-masochistic interactions. Spader slaps Lee for makingspelling errors, but alsodemands she stop cutting herself, encourages her to walk home by herselfandbecome the grown womanshe is. Lee finds this liberating and responds. These interactionscontinueandgrow as we discovermore depth and identity in each of them, and slowly grow to appreciate andlikethem.By the end, Lee has transformed from quirky, neurosis to confident,articulatebeautiful grown woman.And Spader has become a loving partner who washes his lover's hair, makesthe bed with her in the morningand waives cheerfully as he drives off to work. But yet still incharacter,andtotally believable.The reason this movie is so great is because two very different, uniquecharacters fall in love in themost unlikely circumstances. The director and casting plays with ourexpectations, using Spader(known to play freaky sex roles) and a relatively unknown, unglamorousactressand transformsthem before our eyes through love. The characters change, and that is whatlove is all about.

Marty McFly 2012-05-23 05:00:22

Insulting, pathetic, and idiotic.

I just finished watching this movie and, immediately after, threw it inthe trash. Some people have called the relationship between Spader'scharacter and Gyllenhaal's "endearing" and "realistic". Unless you'rementally unstable, this is far from the truth.I'm no feminist, nor do I ever really think like one, but this movie isa straight-up insult to women everywhere. Gyllenhaal's character, Lee,is completely incapable of doing anything herself without Spader's E.Edward character. This isn't a BDSM lifestyle, this is straight upcontrolling. Lee, who is mentally scarred, suicidal, and emotionallyvulnerable, gives in to E. Edward and his manipulating ways because shereally doesn't know how else to live. Her mind is wiped clean andreplaced only with whatever he wants her to do, and she (along with alot of other fans) call that "love".Fortunately, Gyllenhaal's acting is superb in this film. Unfortunately,that's Secretary's only redeeming quality. The story is lackluster, thedialogue like a bad porno, and many people will find it bizarre andmindless...kind of like the characters' relationship.

Frank Ochieng 2012-05-21 06:01:16

Shainberg's showcase is astutely observant in its exploitative and titillating take on unassuming work-related alienation and the kinky sexual politics that consume the completeness of two lost souls.

2012-05-20 22:59:15

Wasting My time !!

Nothing special about the story .....You'll waste your time watching it,

2012-05-11 19:24:01

Excellent movie.

People have already given plot details in other reviews...they're missing out on a bit though on what makes this movie stand out and be mememorable--and erotic--beyond your regular "soft porn" or even hardcore movie.Lee was institutionalized for a suicide attempt--not for the "cutting"--she was distracted when cutting and cut too deep--it was an accident. So...she was treated for the suicide attempt--not for the cutting behavior. She's a sadist but doesn't realize it. She WANTS to be a secretary--it's her ultimate job fantasy. She wants someone to tell her what to do. Later,when Edward explains to her WHY she cuts herself (it makes her inner pain visible and she can watch it heal--she can't see inner pain and can't make it heal)and tells her YOU WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN--she gets the control over the behavior that she has fought to control (throwing the "sewing kit" away, then retreiving from the trash). She tried--but was unable to do it on her own. By giving herself over to "a higher power" she finally achieves this and achieves HER ultimate happiness. I don't think that he ended the relationship because he was disgusted with himself or the situation. I think that was his taking the relationship to a newer, higher level of intimacy. He was punishing her/controlling her. When she was consciously making mistakes and eagerly getting into spanking position, it took away any punishment that it had. What to do now? The ultimate punishment--fire her! She is devastated--and decides to just go and marry her "boy-friend"--a young man who also experienced a "break down" and had been asking her to marry him. But, while trying on her fiance's mother's wedding dress, she realizes what she needs to do. She races to the office, barges in and sits down at his desk and refuses to leave. The ultimate fruition of the relationship--she proves her total and unquestioning devotion to him in spite of other people knowing what's going on--even family and friends. She does this by sitting in his office with her hands flat on his desk without moving from place, not moving, eating,etc-- even urinating on herself--showing him that she is ready to be his submissive--his ultimate slave. AND they live happily EVER AFTER. And that's really the best part in dysfunctional relationships, isn't it?

Rachael 2012-05-11 09:29:30

Quirky, fun, and everything I ever wanted in a film!

"Secretary" is everything I have ever wanted in a film: romance, humor,drama, and kinky sex! The incredible chemistry between an amazing MaggieGyllenhaal and a repressed yet fierce James Spader is what makes thismoviework so well, and the tender depths to which their relationship isportrayedmakes it so much more than just a film about sadomasochism. I felt thatthemain theme of the film was to show that people have pain, and it is onlywhen you accept that pain that you are able to feel your emotions fully,therefore making your life much more livable. This movie was a bitquirky,and might not be for everyone. However, I would recommend it to anyonewithan open mind. "Secretary" is by far my favorite film of theyear.

2012-05-10 14:57:28

100 LASHES FOR THE BAD ENDING!!

This is a perfect example of a fantastic film ruined by an unrealistic ending. Throwing tomatoes at the tied up guy--REALLY!! The spanking scene is probably the most sexy you will ever see, and the acting is OUTSTANDING!! Yes, you can't spank yourself, as she tried; not enough arm action. I know--I TRIED IT!!

2012-05-10 03:28:23

Loved it!

This movie took a delicious trip into the male domination/female submission relationship. My only complaint was the visitation of various people during the "wedding dress/hunger strike." The scene seemed like an afterthought and ruined the continuity of the film. Overall, the film was enjoyable with thought provoking messages underneath the veneer of naughtiness.

rjohnson2222 2012-05-09 06:58:36

Strange Film, But Very Good

No SpoilersThis was a very weird film, in short it's about a girl who cuts herselfand gets off on pain working as a secretary for a strange boss.The film wouldn't be anywhere as good as it was if Maggie Gyllenhaalwasn't the lead, she was fantastic in this and deserves any praise shegets from it. James Spader was also good as the boss but he wasn'tanything worth writing home about. Basically the film was just watchingMaggie Gyllenhaal's character try to make her way in the world afterhaving problems with self-harm.If I hadn't heard it was good from checking IMDb its unlikely I wouldeven have given it a chance considering how strange the plot sounds butit is genuinely a good film that should be seen by anyone whoappreciates a good film.I doubt you'll be disappointed if you see it.Rating: 7/10Entry onto Movie List: 170th of 340 (Better than The Hole, Worse thanBrazil)Entry onto 2002 List: 18th (Better than phone Booth, Worse than RedDragon)

2012-05-08 18:48:59

Loved it! And I am picky :0)

I am picky when it comes to films of the sexual nature. Gorgeous bodies of both sexes, the perfect man/woman scenario. This one, I felt didn't fall into this category. Both Spader and Gyllenhaal are simply....normal looking........The pain that she inflicts on herself did not bother me a bit and I found it very sexy film. It has a happy ending anyway. :0)

2012-05-06 22:04:28

Mediocre at best

It is hard to catergorise this film. Whether it is a romantic comedy, a black comedy, a drama or a sexual thriller there really is only one word I can use to describe it...Boring.I bought this without seeing it for one reason and one reason only. Maggie Gyllenhaal... She is an amazing actress and I am a big fan of her talents and while I was expecting this movie to be left of centre, not even her performance could stop me from falling asleep in parts. Its not that I bought this without knowing anything about it, I researched it and read many reviews, the storyline did interest me but I was just always waiting for the movie to get into it. James Spader is stale, as was the rest of the supporting cast. Two stars however for Maggie Gyllenhaal, who's performance alone will no doubt attract fans of hers to this film.

Dude Frosty 2012-05-06 09:55:48

Terrific tension building, but falls flat at the end.

James Spader's Mr. Grey built terrific tension through most of the movie.Maggie Gyllenhaal's Lee naively plays off Grey as we watch theirrelationship mature, and Lee discover what she really likes in it. In myopinion the end of the movie, lacks believability when the emotionlessGreysuddenly shows passion, and tenderness he is completely incapable ofthroughout the film. He wasn't exactly listening to a self-help tape totryand change his behaviour patterns, but suddenly we find him perhapscapableof unconditional love. That came out of nowhere! The parade of characterslecturing Lee and media attention on the couple was also bizarre.Still, I enjoyed the film. It's not readily accessible to the public, andmost certainly not blind date material. A worthy exercisenonetheless.If you liked Blue Velvet, this will probably appeal toyou.

2012-05-02 19:40:45

Good overall. One unnecessary part weakened second half.

First, let me get this off my chest: I would give this movie five stars except for one long, unnecessary scene near the end of the movie. (*SLIGT SPOILER*)You know that the main character's boyfriend and her newer love interest, her boss, would eventually meet one another, and that there may be some unpleasantness. That encounter was handled well, but rather than ending the scene shortly, there was a continuation that brought in other characters. This irritated me and seemed to hurt the quality of the movie. Still, I found the majority of the film fascinating and would recommend it. The acting was great. I have enjoyed James Spader in other films, particularly WOLF and STARGATE. He is definitely a versatile actor! The actor, who played the main character's boyfriend, Jeremy Davies, was good in SOLARIS; I believe the guy is disturbed which may be a compliment to his acting? The movie of course would not work at all if not for the lead actress' character Lee, wonderfully played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. She is thoroughly convincing as a shy, troubled girl, sort of like the sad young woman in the movie LILI. I felt very sorry for her, even though I couldn't relate to whatever pain was causing her to inflict pain on herself. I enjoyed the way the story changed (for the better) and the "relationship" between Lee, and her new boss started to develop. Some of the "kinky" parts may have been unnecessary, but I was convinced by the end the two main characters had reached a "real" relationship based on love and understanding. With any passionate and loving couple, there must be a series of high and low points that make the bond worthwhile, and this movie was one of the few that shows some conflicts rather than just implying "They lived happy ever after." All and all, I enjoyed this film and found it refreshing to the usual, predictable movies being mass-produced for our undemanding public. I rarely ever consider giving a movie five stars, so THE SECRETARY is special, for me anyway.

r-zimmering 2012-05-02 14:42:53

Must See!!!!

A rather unusual Love- story!This movie is just brilliant!!! I have never seen that much erotic onscreen before, even though or maybe because it doesn't show "sex" inthe usual way!!! You can actually feel the tension between the two maincharacters and this makes their way of behaving plausible and perfectlyunderstandable, even though a lot of people might find it "abnormal" oreven "perverse". But what is normal? And who decides anyway? Those arejust two questions which come up watching this movie. The range oftopics is wide: Love, family life, Weltschmerz and most importantlyhappiness and whether you are willing to risk everything to becomehappy. On top of it all, the story is unpredictable and this issomething you don't get that often in Hollywood movies anymore. I know I haven't actually said anything concerning what is going on,but that would spoil it. Two people who need someone who reallyunderstands them found each other. Or didn't they? That's all you needto know. The rest you have to find out for yourself!

plumberguy66 2012-05-01 12:23:30

Refreshingly Unabashed

What a strange and twisted movie this was but, at the same time, it wasstrangely beautiful. In one way, it's a story of two people finding theirtrue soul-mate. It's also a near classic.. well, ok,a kind of out there,telling of individuals overcoming obstacles in their personal and societallives. The basic story is about a shy, troubled girl that gets a job as asecretary at a troubled lawyer's office. After a very short time bothparties find that they are a lot more alike than they knew. A sort offlirtatious thing starts between them and… you'll have to see for yourself.From here the story is steeped in mild S&M and sexual fetishes. The normal,Hollywood script is thrown out on this one, thank god. This movie helps yourealize that James Spader is still a fine actor and gives hopes that we willsee a lot more of Maggie Gyllenhaal. I really enjoyed this unconventional movie. It kept me guessing, notknowing what to expect next and kept my rapt attention until the very end.This movie was a Lion's Gate distribution… for those that know the label,you know they put out some great inde's and this is no exception. Worth aviewing or two.

nikdiva26 2012-04-30 23:51:59

Better than Cinemax on Friday Night!

I watched this movie last night at 1 AM and I am still thinking about it.James Spader is creepy and hot at the same time, Maggie Gyllenhaal reallyplayed this part well, I felt her arousal and yearning.I am not into hardcore S&M, but I am not adverse to a little spanking andbeing demeaned verbally.I understood how Mr Grey tried to pull back and be "normal" while Leatriedto get him to open up and let go.Anyone that has any kind of fetish can understand what it is to try to fitin with mainstream America and still have your privatepeccadilloes.