Introduction"Secretary" is a dark romantic comedy-drama film directed by Steven Shainberg and released in 2002. The film is based on a narrative by Mary Gaitskill, and it stars James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film checks out the complex relationship between a controling manager and his submissive secretary, challenging conventional concepts of love and sexuality.
Plot OverviewGyllenhaal plays Lee Holloway, a young woman with a history of self-harm, who takes a secretarial job at the law firm of E. Edward Grey (Spader). Recovering from a brief psychological breakdown and newly out of typing school, Lee strives for a clean slate. She soon discovers that Mr. Grey's expert disposition hides a cruel and mercurial male who quickly becomes fascinated by her submissive tendencies.
Mr. Grey starts to subject Lee to a series of progressively bizarre and sexual tasks, such as spanking her for typing mistakes. Instead of being deterred, Lee discovers herself allured by this world of supremacy and submission, and begins to fall for her employer.
Climax and ResolutionThe situation magnifies when Lee confesses her love for Mr. Grey, initiating a sexual encounter. Grey, uneasy with her openness about their relationship and afraid to admit his sensations for her, declines her and fires her in an effort to keep expert decorum.
Heartbroken but undeterred, Lee declines to go back to her old life and decides she wants to be with Mr. Grey. She refrains from eating and conveniences herself by imagining a life with Mr. Grey, prompting her fiancé, Peter (Jeremy Davies), her mother, and her dad, to become deeply concerned about her apparent mindset and fixation on Grey.
ConclusionIn a vibrant act, Lee waits for 3 days in Grey's office without food, water, or restroom breaks, frantically seeking his attention. Realizing that her dedication mirrors his own feelings, Grey confesses his love too, and they share a tender minute. In the end, the film depicts their unique relationship-- centered around dominance and submission-- as not just consensual however likewise as a really caring and healthy dynamic.
Characters and ThemesThe two primary characters are complicated. Lee Holloway, regardless of her submissive habits, turns out to be a strong female with fantastic resilience who knows what she wants. The character of E. Edward Grey is an indirect representation of societal expectations of reducing an authentic self to suit a standard mold.
"Secretary" deals with styles of BDSM and non-traditional love, exploring a great deal of psychological depth and level of sensitivity. The film likewise uncovers the change of Lee from a delicate woman into an individual who discovers to accept and assert her distinct desires. In spite of initial criticism, the film has actually grown in recognition for its dark however humorous look at non-traditional love and its bold technique to a controversial and mainly misconstrued subject matter.
Vital Reception"Secretary" amassed mixed evaluations, with some critics applauding the efficiencies and the bold expedition of BDSM, while others criticized it for the exact same factors. Regardless, the movie won several awards, including Best Actress for Gyllenhaal at the 2003 Independent Spirit Awards and was nominated for a Golden Globe. The movie continues to incite conversation around BDSM and psychological health, using a distinct and captivating view of an unorthodox love story.
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