Secretary (2002)
Short description
Secretary is a 2002 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Steven Shainberg and starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. The film follows the story of Lee Holloway, a young woman with a history of self-harm who takes a job as a secretary for an eccentric lawyer, Edward Grey.
The film is an exploration of the power dynamics between Lee and Edward, as well as an exploration of BDSM relationships. The film is both funny and thought-provoking, with its characters' struggles to find balance in their lives.
The performances in Secretary are outstanding. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives an incredibly nuanced performance as Lee Holloway, conveying her character's inner turmoil and vulnerability with subtlety and grace. James Spader also gives an excellent performance as Edward Grey, playing the character with a perfect blend of charm and menace. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their relationship believable and engaging to watch.
The cinematography in Secretary is also noteworthy. The camera work captures the beauty of the natural world around Lee's home while also conveying her inner turmoil through close-ups and other techniques. The use of color in particular stands out; it helps to create a dreamlike atmosphere that reflects Lee's inner state of mind.
The soundtrack for Secretary is also excellent; it features music from artists such as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Yo La Tengo, Cat Power, and more. The music helps to create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the visuals on screen.
Overall, Secretary is an excellent film that explores complex themes in a thoughtful way while still being entertaining to watch. It features outstanding performances from its two leads, beautiful cinematography, and an excellent soundtrack that all come together to create a unique viewing experience that will stay with you long after you've seen it. Highly recommended!