Law and Order

Much has been made of Fifty Shades of Grey. The phenomenon (be it the books or the film) has taken the world by storm, creating an ever-growing buzz around the subject of kinky sexual escapades. But, after watching the movie, I must say that it is a cold, clinical production that lacks nuance, emotion, heart, depth or eroticism. For a more engaging portrayal of the themes found in Fifty Shades, I would recommend turning to the 2002 motion picture Secretary.

Following in the vein of other erotic flicks like 1972’s Last Tango in Paris and 1986’s 9½ Weeks (to name just two), director Steven Shainberg (who adapted Mary Gaitskill’s short story along with Erin Cressida Wilson) introduces us to our lead character: the shy, sensitive and socially uncomfortable Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Dealing with many psychological issues, she is first seen leaving an institution after being caught causing herself harm.

She returns to her parents’ home (Stephen McHattie and Leslie Ann Warren), placing her in a setting which could lead her down the same dangerous path once again. Showing self restraint, she turns away from her cutting instruments and decides to take some typing courses.

Lee decides to apply for a secretarial position at a law office. Despite her awkward social skills and unprofessional appearance, attorney E. Edward Grey (James Spader) – please note the irony that his name is also Grey, decides to hire the nervous ingenue. One of the caveats that Grey highlights in the interview is that his office does not use computers, meaning that she will have to do all of her work on an old-school typewriter.

Grey, seemingly a stickler for perfection, is highly irritated by her erroneous typing – accenting each minuscule mistake with a bright red sharpie. Things soon take a turn when it becomes clear that the attorney is aroused by her obedient and subservient ways. After discovering her dark secret of self inflicted injury, he demands that she stop all such activities. He then becomes her dominant while she becomes his submissive.

The young woman flourishes under the unorthodox arrangement, finally finding fulfilment in a life that has lacked any semblance of happiness. It is her sexual awakening, which allows her to bud into a confident woman, yet we see the opposite from the lawyer. As the unusual relationship continues to grow, he becomes more introverted, clearly embarrassed and insecure about his ultra-liberal sexual behaviour.

While in this quasi-relationship, Lee is also still dating longtime beau Peter (Jeremy Davies), a simple man with a lack of ambition who clearly loves the gal. This places her in a precarious position between the two very different men.

Soon after, Grey fires Lee, leaving the woman (who was falling in love with the quirky man) in a confused state. Almost immediately afterward, Peter proposes to her and she accepts, despite being in a shocked and highly vulnerable state of mind.

As she is putting on her wedding gown, she hurriedly exits the abode, making her way to Grey’s law office where she declares her love for him. The agitated man, still confounded by the star-crossed relationship, demands that she stay seated at his desk, without moving her hands or feet until he returns – she obliges. A number of people (including her family) attempt to reason with her as she continues her (seeming) protest. The media hears of the story and begins to follow the tale, believing it is some sort of hunger strike. Grey watches from afar as he continues to struggle with his own internal demons. He is both confused by and enamoured with Lee. It takes him three days, but he finally returns to his office, removing the weak woman and taking her to his abode, where he feeds and bathes her.

Secretary is a perfect vehicle for the two leads. Spader is excellent at concocting offbeat, unorthodox characters, be it in another bizarre sexually charged film like David Cronenberg’s Crash or more recently in the engaging television series The Blacklist. . . and it is no different here. There is so much going on beneath the surface, as he portrays a strong, dominant man on the exterior, yet is fragile and lacking confidence on the interior. Gyllenhaal’s performance is a wonderful counterpunch to Spader’s. Playing a meek, timid and pained young woman, we watch as she transforms thanks to the relationship she forms with her male counterpart. It is enriching to watch someone who is so unhappy finally thrive, finding some joy in life. Yet, as this occurs, Spader’s character shudders and shrinks at the prospect of their aberrant relationship – making for a wonderfully juxtaposed dichotomy to study and observe.

Director Steven Shainberg also has a large part to play, as his story and direction flows wonderfully. The film has an interesting mix of quirk, drama, romance and kink. It is sensual, seductive and sexy in an offbeat way. It thrives on an intriguing mix of rich characters, quirky story, excellent pacing and sadomasochistic romance.

Secretary is a movie with heart. Capturing many of the same themes as Fifty Shades of Grey, but more than a decade before, it eclipses the modern flick in nearly every way. It feels more alive, painting a vivid picture that feels rich in romance, drama, comedy and eroticism. So, saddle up and watch this sexy tale of a most unconventional love story, it will be sure to whip up your appetite.