Secretary

Starring: James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Directed by: Steven Shainberg
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After a woman (Maggie Gyllenhall) gets out of an institution for cutting herself, she goes to work for a lawyer (James Spader), whom she soon discovers shares her enjoyment of sadomasochism.

Review:

Tim: This is not a movie you would typically expect to enjoy. I actually had no desire to see it. I only finally did because I heard good things about Gyllenhaal's performance, and I like to see movies out of my typical comfort zone. However, this is a movie based on a character that enjoys sadomasochism. That right there is major marks against the film.

However, its not all bad news. The story is told smartly and the characters... although you do wonder, are actually quite likeable- as strange as that may sound. Spader plays a character who, under any other circumstance, you would hate. However, here, he is great and you find yourself truly enjoying his performance. He made a name for himself in movies like this, and you can see his comfortable attitude throughout the film.

Maggie Gyllenhaal does give a tremendous performance as both a complicated and kind person. She is quite enjoyable on screen. I believe this is the first film I've seen her in, but she can definitely act. This is a very artsy film in many ways.

Despite any good qualities the film has, Secretary is still about two sadomasochists, so that hurts the film right there. I'd recommend maybe seeing this once, just for the great performances and something so unlike what you'd normally watch (hopefully). Other than that though, I'd never want to see this again.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Stargate