Secretary is a 2002 black comedy film directed by Steven Shainberg and starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader.
Lee Holloway (Gyllenhaal) has recently been released from a mental institution after her penchant for self-mutilation resulted in a near-fatal injury. Determined to adjust to society, she learns to type and is hired as secretary to attorney E. Edward Gray (Spader). Gray's disdainful attitude toward his employee turns out to be a boon to both of them, as what initially was a rather strained professional relationship becomes both closer and more personal as it progressively takes on greater BDSM elements.
References and further reading
- Erin Cressida Wilson, Steven Shainberg, Secretary: A Screenplay. Soft Skull Press, 2003. ISBN 1887128190.