Students who have not left Baton Rouge in the past few months probably have never heard about or seen the Lions Gate movie, “Secretary.”
This film now is available on DVD and VHS for the masses who were not so fortunate as to live in a city where slightly risqué material is shown in theaters.
Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader star in this “mature audiences only” movie with overt bondage, dominance and sado-masochist themes. But the film has more to offer than just sex.
“Secretary” is about a 20-something woman, Lee, who goes to work as a secretary for E. Edward Gray after being released from a mental hospital for some depression problems. That’s about the gist of the film. A few other stories unfold about her family life and semi-irrelevant love life. But it is Lee’s relationship with Gray that captivates the audience.
Gyllenhaal creates a brilliant character with Lee. She is flawless as a post-mental health facility inhabitant whose first job is working for a man with his own share of bizarre problems. Lee finds herself wound up in a deliciously controlling relationship with her employer, and Gyllenhaal plays the part superbly.
Lee is a sweet, mysterious woman. Though she never fully reveals herself, it is easy to get the impression that there is more to her than she lets on. Gray is easily as mysterious but with a more cruel nature.
James Spader immediately is intriguing as Gray. Gray is a closed man, but he courts the audience into believing he is more confident and in control than he really is. Spader and Gyllenhaal create believable characters despite the movie’s surreal tone.
The cinematography is gorgeous. There are countless shots of seemingly insignificant moments that are beautiful and foreshadow so subtly, it takes watching the movie twice to see everything.
The more significant moments are tastefully done. At times the film seems more like a cinematic poem than a movie with a plot and understandable characters. Not that the plot is not brilliant, but the cinematography definitely could support this movie if the characters and story weren’t fabulous.
The actors are magnificent, the directing and photography are incredible, and the story is weird enough to tantalize but real enough to connect with “Secretary.”
This movie definitely is not for everyone. But those who can handle adult themes in a sophisticated setting will be thrilled.