Secretary
I first came to Secretary when a young age. Legal but still pretty young to watch this independent ditty from Steven Sainberg. Part of me would love to sit here and say I was a little bit naïve, bored and lumped it in with overblown porn but I didn’t. See, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was almost liberating to watch a movie that considered different aspects of sexual preference that didn’t include sticking a penis into a vagina in and out again. Secretary is one of those movies that caricatures the subject either and just like Lee, many will find it superbly liberating.
Lee Holloway is the titular Secretary. Shy, she has often struggled with bullying and intimidating feelings (and world) and not finding an outlet. After being hospitalised for a particular dangerous bout of self-harm, she tries to adjust to a normal life. She is surprised by getting a job as a secretary despite being unskilled and dishevelled. What she finds is her submissive nature and her mistakes arouse her boss Edward Grey and they soon enter into a sexual relationship with one another. But can a relationship on the edge of society become love and can they blossom in this sexual awakening?
The important thing about Secretary is this, submissive and dominant relationships are healthy when exercised with care. It opens the world to this taboo subject of bondage and pain during consensual sex that never once apologises for people finding happiness this way. While this world still haunts in the murky shadows, film such as The Secretary opens doors for people and liberate them from any oppression they may find in their love for….fun oppression during sex. A sadomasochist relationship can give people freedom, they can find happiness and it can be as adult as long as it is consensual. Sainberg handles the subject without over-blowing, cheapening it or saying “look at these weirdoes.”
Secretary’s plot and story is pulled forward by some unforgettable leads. Maggie Gyllenhaal (though often lumped as one of the most displeasing actresses despite the strength of her performances,) is unforgettable as Lee. She is able to convey all the different sides of her, from the shy mouse at the beginning to the reawakened women at the end. Never once wavering from her stance, she makes Lee into an outstanding heroine for the sexual masses. David Spader as Edward is never seen as an abuser and the pair have this electrifying chemistry together that is offbeat but more real than a lot of romantic comedies you see around today.
I am going to say it. For those who are terribly obsessed with 50 Shades Of Grey and it’s impending movie, this is better and will always be better. It isn’t a fad, it is a portrayal of adults who find themselves fond of off kilter sex. It showcases a world that isn’t seedy but brilliantly erotic, exhilarating and exciting. Secretary is a superb movie that has depth to an animalistic need. The Secretary shows that there is pleasure in pain.