Secretary Review

Those lured to the DVD of 'Secretary' by the provocative posters, expecting to see a tale in the vein of 'Disclosure' will be disappointed and surprised in equal measures as, ironically, for a film featuring domination and mild torture, 'Secretary' is a tender love story. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is the inexperienced secretary of the title who, after leaving a mental institution supposedly cured of her self-harm habit, goes to work for a law firm run by the creepy Edward Grey (James Spader). While there, Holloway discovers Mr Grey is not all he seems and the pair embark on relationship based on humiliation, power and control.

In what could be considered an immoral film by some viewers, the broadminded amongst us will find a lot to enjoy in this quirky and decidedly adult tale. James Spader gives a fantastic performance as the unusual Mr Grey while Gyllenhaal shows promise as Holloway, whose brooding sexuality is brought to the surface by the ensuing relationship. Viewers will be surprised at the level of humour in the film, which is itself pervaded by a slightly chintzy look that results in a 'timeless' quality. Overall, 'Secretary' is not a torture to watch and after all, who says love has to be soft and gentle?