“Back on track for reals this time. And with the next couple that I’ve picked out, the idea is to watch some films I’ve only seen once that deserve a second look so I know them better. That’s been a theme with some earlier choices too. Today, Secretary. I don’t think I was ready to see this film the first time. The intensely sexual sadomasochistic movie was just too much for me back then. Before there was Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, we had James Spader’s Edward Grey and with Maggie Gyllenhaal as his secretary Lee Holloway.
Lee has an unhappy life. Her history of cutting and self mutilation has forced her parents to shelter her a bit too much. Desperate to get her life moving, she takes a job as a secretary for a high powered lawyer. Let’s just say he finds ways of loosening her up, letting her become more comfortable and free in her own skin. She becomes more assertive, learning to stand up for herself and not let others get in the way of her own happiness. Maggie Gyllenhaal is just brilliant. She starts off as the epitome of frustrated inocense, and you can see her blossom out of that thru those big wide and hopeful eyes of hers. She has such incredible expression, and with the slightest glance can say so much.
The type of relationship that Lee and Mr Grey engage in hasn’t really been seen much on screen, at least not in films that are considered “”reputable””. By no means can I claim to actually know anything about the lifestyle, but I do appreciate getting a thoughtful look into it. Certainly very thought provoking. And the whole thing is sexy as hell, in its own bizarre way. I prolly sound very ignorant in the way I’m describing it, but it certainly was a whole new experience for me this time around.”