Secretary (2002 film)
| Secretary | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Steven Shainberg |
| Produced by | Andrew Fierberg Amy Hobby Steven Shainberg |
| Screenplay by | Steven Shainberg |
| Story by | Erin Cressida Wilson |
| Based on |
Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill |
| Starring |
James Spader Maggie Gyllenhaal |
| Music by | Angelo Badalamenti |
| Cinematography | Steven Fierberg |
| Edited by | Pam Wise |
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Production
company |
Twopoundbag Productions
Double A Films SloughPond Co. |
| Distributed by | Lions Gate Films |
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Release date
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Running time
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111 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $4 million |
| Box office | $9.3 million |
Secretary is a 2002 erotic romance film directed by Steven Shainberg and starring Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway and James Spader as E. Edward Grey. The film is based on a short story from Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill, and explores the relationship between a sexually dominant man and his submissive secretary.
Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), the socially awkward and emotionally sensitive youngest daughter of a dysfunctional family, adjusts to normal life after having been hospitalized following an incident of dangerous self-harm. She learns to type, and begins to work as a secretary for an eccentric attorney, E. Edward Grey (James Spader), who hires her despite her stilted social skills, unprofessional appearance and scoring higher than anyone he's ever interviewed, therefore being overqualified. Edward explains that it's dull work and they don't use computers; however, Lee remarks that she is okay with these conditions.
Though at first Edward appears highly irritated by Lee's typos and other innocuous mistakes, it soon becomes apparent that he is sexually aroused by her obedient behavior. After he confronts her about her propensity for self-injury and commands that she never hurt herself again, the two embark on a BDSM relationship. Lee experiences a sexual and personal awakening, and she falls deeply in love. Edward, however, displays insecurity concerning his feelings for Lee, and he shows shame and disgust over his sexual habits. During this period of exploration with Edward, Lee has also been attempting to have a more conventional boyfriend in Peter (Jeremy Davies), even engaging in lukewarm sex with him. After a sexual encounter in Edward's office, he fires Lee.
After Lee is fired from her job, Peter proposes to Lee, who reluctantly agrees to marry him. However, while trying on her wedding gown, she leaves and runs to Edward's office where she declares her love for him. Edward, still uncertain about their relationship, tests Lee by commanding her to sit in his chair without moving her hands or feet until he returns. Lee willingly complies. Hours pass, as several family members and acquaintances individually visit Lee to alternately attempt to dissuade or encourage her while Edward watches from afar, completely taken by Lee's compliance. Because of Lee's refusal to leave the office, she has gained news coverage from the media, which they believe to be a hunger strike. After three days, Edward returns to the office and takes Lee to a room upstairs where he bathes and nurtures her. The pair marry and happily continue their dominant-submissive relationship.
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