Secretary (2002 movie)
| Secretary | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Steven Shainberg |
| Starring | Maggie Gyllenhaal |
Release date | 2002 |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $4 million |
Secretary is a 2002 American erotic romantic comedy-drama movie directed by Steven Shainberg and written by Erin Cressida Wilson. It is based on the 1988 short story with same name by Mary Gaitskill. The movie stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. The movie shows the relationship between a dominant lawyer and his submissive secretary who explore BDSM together.
Cast
[change | change source]- James Spader as E. Edward Grey
- Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway
- Jeremy Davies as Peter
- Patrick Bauchau as Dr. Twardon
- Stephen McHattie as Burt Holloway
- Oz Perkins as Jonathan
- Jessica Tuck as Tricia O'Connor
- Amy Locane as Lee's sister
- Lesley Ann Warren as Joan Holloway
- Mary Joy as Sylvia
- Michael Mantell as Stewart
- Sabrina Grdevich as Allison
- Lily Knight as Paralegal
- Lacey Kohl as Louisa
- Julene Renee as Jessica
- Ezra Buzzington as typing teacher
Production
[change | change source]The movie was based on Mary Gaitskill's story called Secretary. However, the movie changed some parts and wanted to make some areas deeper so that Secretary could be a full movie. The director and the production designer wanted to show that BDSM relationships could be normal and positive. They spent a long time working on parts of the set and wanted the movie to have a natural and positive feeling. Steven Shainberg was inspired by how gay relationships were normalised in the movie My Beautiful Laundrette. To do this, they used a lot of natural materials like wood on the set of Mr Grey's office. They also changed some of the dialogue from the book as well as the ending of the movie to make the movie feel more uplifting.
The movie was set in Florida and filmed in Los Angeles.
Reception
[change | change source]The film earned $4.1 million in the United States and Canada and $9.3 million around the world.
Secretary was nominated for awards and won some. Maggie Gyllenhaal won awards for her performance.
