My Thoughts on the Film Secretary...

I liked it when I saw it years ago, and I liked it the second time I watched it.

But to call it a romantic comedy is...well...I've got nothing. What else could you call it, anyway?

Lee Holloway, a young woman who has just been released from mental health care, decides to enter the workforce and become a secretary. She then applies and ultimately works for E. Edward Gray, esq. Needless to say, their relationship goes far beyond boss and employee.

The themes of obsession, obsessive love, and pain as pleasure twist into a simple tale of boy-meets-girl, yadda-yadda-yadda.

Maggie Gyllenhaal is the one to watch; she brings pain and torment to such a degree without appearing pathetic. James Spader's characterization illustrates a unique struggle as well; he too tortures himself while trying to define his role—and himself—in his life as well as Lee's.

The film brought much controversy upon its release back in 2002, especially concerning Lee's struggles and what exactly to call them.

I recommend this film to those with an experienced palette as well as a sympathetic soul. If you're looking for a standard romantic comedy, look elsewhere.