by Peter Morris in Los Angeles on 15 May 2003
Let’s be honest, JAMES SPADER‘S career has been an interesting one from the Brat Packer movies of the late ‘80s ( “Mannequin” “Pretty in Pink”, “Less than Zero”), through some which didn’t so much get released rather they “escaped” straight to video, to some excellent commercial projects like “Wolf” with JACK NICHOLSON and “Stargate” with KURT RUSSELL. (Also check out “Dream Lover” and “2 Days In The Valley” for ones that should have been seen by more people).
Having said all that since he’s not one for doing a lot of publicity he probably remains best known for his role in two controversial (at the time) films: "Sex, Lies and Videotape”, STEVEN SODERBERGH‘S breakthrough film and “Crash” the DAVID CRONENBERG tale of a group of people who get their kicks having sex with amputees.
I don’t know what it is about SPADER‘S desire for these sort of roles but he’s gone and picked another one here with “Secretary” and I have to say I really quite enjoyed it - and no, I’m not especially into domination or S&M.
Intrigued? OK here’s the plot in brief: Lee Holloway, played excellently by MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL (“Adaptation”, “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”) in her first starring role, is a disturbed young woman with a propensity for cutting herself, when she’s released from a mental hospital she applies for, and gets, a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer called Mr. Grey (SPADER). Now when I say demanding I mean really demanding and his methods of punishment and humiliation increase exponentially as Lee accepts them.
I won’t spoil the ending (don’t you hate when people do that?) but you may squirm or be charmed depending on your personal preferences but I guarantee you will have a strong opinion about the characters and their choices!
It has to be said that this film is definitely not for the politically correct but although it verges on what might be described as “kinky” it’s worth seeing for the breakout performance by GYLLENHAAL (pronounced Jill-en-hall) who received a slew of nominations including one for a Golden Globe and whose career has taken off since this with four projects in post production en route to our screens.
SPADER? He plays a good looking perv as well as anyone these days and he too delivers a commendable performance. There are also good supporting roles filled by JEREMY DAVIES (“Saving Private Ryan”,”Solaris”) as Lee‘s fiancee and the ubiquitous LESLEY ANN WARREN (“Colour of Night”, “The Limey”) as her mother.
This one will never get past the art house circuit I fear but if you miss it there keep it on your “to rent” list when the DVD/Video comes out .
UK Release Date: 16th May 2003
Celebrities Worldwide Rating: 7.5 out of 10
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
