Movie Description

Secretary is a 2002 romantic dark comedy directed by Steven Shainberg. The film stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway, a young woman with a history of self-harm, who gets a job as a secretary for an eccentric lawyer, E. Edward Grey, played by James Spader. Their professional relationship evolves into a BDSM-based sexual relationship as Lee discovers her submissive desires. This film explores themes of control, submission, and self-acceptance, framing them within an unconventional love story. Secretary is known for its dark humor and tender portrayal of a unique romantic relationship. Its candid exploration of BDSM relationships was considered groundbreaking at the time of its release. It earned Gyllenhaal critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. The movie was based on the 1988 short story "Secretary" by Mary Gaitskill and adapted into a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson. Angelo Badalamenti composed the score.