Synopsis
Secretary (2002) is a drama film that explores the unusual relationship between a lawyer, E. Edward Grey (James Spader), and his secretary, Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Their professional relationship evolves into a BDSM-style love affair, challenging traditional notions of romance and intimacy.
Why Watch It
A wickedly stylish exploration of power dynamics and self-discovery that transforms a potentially dark premise into something oddly romantic and life-affirming. Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader have electric chemistry, while Shainberg's precise visual language turns office mundanity into charged theatrical space. Bold, subversive, and surprisingly tender.
Did You Know?
- The movie won 'Special Jury Prize' at Sundance Film Festival 2002.
- James Spader's character was originally named Peter, changed to E. Edward Grey.
- Maggie Gyllenhaal's first starring role in a feature film.
- The movie is based on Mary Gaitskill's short story 'Secretary'.
- Director Steven Shainberg's own secret fetish inspired the movie.
Iconic Quotes
- I'm your secretary.
- This isn't just about typos, tapes, staples, and pencils, is it, Lee?
- Look, we can't do this 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- I'm not doing this because I want to hurt you. I'm doing this because I want to keep you until you're old and gray and sitting in a wheelchair, staring out the window at your rose garden.
- Who's to say that love needs to be soft and gentle?
