Secretary (2002)
Coming Out at 20 September 2002 in theaters.
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Secretary is erotic romantic drama comedy film directed by Steven Shainberg and written by Erin Cressida Wilson, based on the short story Secretary by Mary Gaitskill. Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader, the film explores the intense relationship between a dominant lawyer and his submissive secretary, who indulge in various types of BDSM activity such as erotic spanking and omorashi.
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 applies for a job as a secretary for an eccentric attorney, E. Edward Grey (James Spader). Grey explains she is overqualified for the job (having scored higher than anyone he has ever interviewed) and that it is “very dull work” as they only use typewriters; Lee, however, agrees to work under these conditions.
Though at first Grey appears to be highly irritated by Lee’s typos and other 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. Grey, however, displays insecurity concerning his feelings for Lee, and he feels shame and disgust over his sexual habits. During this period of exploration with Grey, 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 Grey’s office, Grey fires Lee.
Director: Steven Shainberg
Writers: Erin Cressida Wilson, Mary Gaitskill (short story), Steven Shainberg
Stars: James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren, Stephen McHattie, Patrick Bauchau, Jessica Tuck
Cast:
| James Spader | … | Mr. Grey |
| Maggie Gyllenhaal | … | Lee Holloway |
| Jeremy Davies | … | Peter |
| Lesley Ann Warren | … | Joan Holloway |
| Stephen McHattie | … | Burt Holloway |
| Patrick Bauchau | … | Dr. Twardon |
| Jessica Tuck | … | Tricia O’Connor |
| Oz Perkins | … | Jonathan |
| Amy Locane | … | Lee’s Sister |
| Mary Joy | … | Sylvia |
| Michael Mantell | … | Stewart |
| Lily Knight | … | Paralegal |
| Sabrina Grdevich | … | Allison |
| Lacey Kohl | … | Louisa |
| Julene Renee | … | Jessica |
| Lauren Cohn | … | First Secretary |
| Ezra Buzzington | … | Typing Teacher |
| Kyle Colerider-Krugh | … | Mr. Garvey |
| Steven Fierberg | … | First Date |
| Herbert Russell | … | Second Date |
| David Wiater | … | Tomato Date |
| Shannon Convery | … | New Secretary |
| Alison Tatlock | … | TV Reporter |
| Emmy Collins | … | Zoo Protester |
| Christina Gray | … | Photographer |
| Diane McGee | … | Woman with the Purple Boots |
| Cali T. Rossen | … | Dancing Party Guest |
| Steven Shainberg | … | Richard Arevalos (sex therapist on tape) (voice) |
| Erin Cressida Wilson | … | Sitting In Mr. Grey’s Waiting Room |
Sources: imdb & wikipedia