Secretary

Starring: James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lesley Ann Warren, Jeremy Davies, Patrick Bauchau

Directed by: Steven Shainberg

RS: 3of 4 Stars

2002 Comedy

Maggie Gyllenhaal lends an awkward grace and inhibited charm to this slanted, enchanted ode to S&M love. She's the secretary, a damaged suburban girl who cuts herself with small objects. James Spader is her boss, an agonizingly isolated lawyer who can't tolerate imperfection. Together they stumble toward a freakish bliss that's at once preposterous and wholly believable. Gyllenhaal is a revelation -- whether she's climbing through dumpsters, masturbating (twice!) or just rolling her eyes.

WILL DANA
(March 25, 2003)