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Secretary

Threat advisory: Under evaluation

Movie propaganda

Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has a few strikes against her when she applies for a secretarial position at the law office of E Edward Grey (James Spader). For starters, she was released only recently from a mental institution. However, she gets the job anyway and soon learns that Mr Grey is not your average boss. Eventually, they begin a relationship, crossing lines of conduct that would give most human resource directors the shivers.

Based on a critically acclaimed short story by Mary Gaitskill, the exquisitely honed character development of Secretary lures us to the darker side of human sexuality, all the while warming us up to the idea that people are getting - and giving - what they want. While it toys with society's expectations of love, Secretary also explores the delicate balance between pain and healing, control and surrender. It could never be labeled old-fashioned but, when all is said and done, Secretary is, at its core and undeniably, a love story.

Persons of interest

James Spader .... Mr Grey
Maggie Gyllenhaal .... Lee Holloway
Jeremy Davies .... Peter
Lesley Ann Warren .... Joan Holloway
Stephen McHattie .... Burt Holloway
Patrick Bauchau .... Doctor Twardon
Jessica Tuck .... Tricia O'Connor
Oz Perkins .... Jonathan
Mary Joy .... Sylvia
Michael Mantell .... Stewart
Sabrina Grdevich .... Allison
Lacey Kohl .... Louisa
Julene Renee .... Jessica
Mary Gaitskill .... Author
Steven Shainberg .... Adapter
Erin Cressida Wilson .... Adapter
Erin Cressida Wilson .... Screenwriter
Steven Shainberg .... Director

Cinematic intelligence sources

Awards and film festivals:

Boston Society of Film Critics: Best actress (Maggie Gyllenhaal)
Sundance Film Festival 2002: Special jury prize for originality
USA National Board of Review: Best breakthrough performance by an actress (Maggie Gyllenhaal)