James Spader, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren
A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one.
DVD Release Date: April 1, 2003
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Stats: 4,874 reviews
Flixster Reviews (4,874)
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October 30, 2009I didn't know what to expect from this one. I watched it with an open mind, but really couldn't help but be disappointed. Spader and Gyllenhaal are great, but the movie drags on with little going for it. Odd and hard to get into to are probably the best ways to describe this one....( read more)
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September 22, 2009Naughty but nice, Spader and Gyllenhaal are brilliant in this sexy comedy drama.
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July 16, 2009One of the strangest and craziest love stories I've ever seen on screen. A funny black comedy and a great performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
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February 5, 2009While it was just downright creepy and weird as hell, we got to see Maggie Gyllenhaal totally nude. Sweet.
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November 18, 2009Prepare your mind for a deep mind f@#$! Wow very good movie and yes it is a head trip! Done very tastefully and not seedy or sexualy degrading. It's a visit to the mind of someone different than what you would call normal. But as you see in the movie, it's the only way she can re...( read more)
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November 18, 2009An interesting take on true love for sure! Maggie's first starring role was her best thur far ironically. David Spader was amazing as the introverted lawyer. The film was beautifully shot and well directed. However, the segment towards the end where the entire family is campe...( read more)
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November 11, 2009While this is a comedy drama, anyone interested in a Dom/ sub relationship might enjoy this!
Critic Reviews
September 27, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
September 27, 2002
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Secretary is a textbook example of a movie that's not for everybody: It's easier to respect it than to enjoy it. full review
September 27, 2002
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The director, Steven Shainberg, has succeeded by focusing intently on his characters, making them quirky individuals rather than figures of fun. full review
September 26, 2002
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
If S&M seems like a strange route to true love, maybe it is, but it's to this film's (and its makers') credit that we believe that that's exactly what these two people need to find each other -- and t... full review
September 20, 2002
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
A liberating, kindhearted picture, one whose ending brings with it the feeling that something has finally been shaken free. full review
September 6, 2002
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Mary Gaitskill's infamous short story comes to the screen as a film of startling humor and feeling. full review
Comments
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July 16, 2008Im surprised that not alot of people have commented on this movie. Secretary is a wonderful story about a very taboo subject. Dominance and Submission. Usually I shy away from these kinds of themes in movies but Secretary drew me in because of the way in which the subject matter was dealt with. They didnt make it seem like some kind of perversion, just as a different and unusual way to love. I like unusual things, and I loved this movie.
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