Viewed: 16 April 2006
Directed by: Steven Shainberg
Listed in: Movies, Other

I can’t say I was expecting anything in particular, but I certainly wasn’t expecting Secretary. Bizarre would be how I describe it. Very bizarre, but then it is the world of sadomasochism. Lee Holloway is shy and insecure, cutting herself for punishment and pleasure. She finds a job as a typist for a domineering and insecure lawyer whose office is a wonderfully gothic-arts and crafts box. While the script and comedy are good, it starts to falter near the end. The films strength is in the performances, with Maggie Gyllenhaal stealing most of if. The transformation she makes from a shy, ex-institutional patient to a confident, secure masochist is what carries the film.