Starring James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, and Lesley Ann Warren

Directed by Steven Shainberg

Screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson, Based on the story by Mary Gaitskill

Distributed by Lions Gate Films

Running Time: 104 mins.

Rated R

The pleasure and pain of love is explored in “Secretary,” this year’s Special Jury Prize for Originality at the Sundance Film Festival.

The story begins as Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhall, “Riding in Cars with Boys”) is released from a mental institution on the day of her sister’s wedding. As soon as Lee is back together with her dysfunctional suburban family, she takes up her secret and self-destructive habit of cutting. With all of that going against her, she applies for a job at the law office of E. Edward Grey (James Spader, “Speaking of Sex” and “Stargate”).

Even though Lee has never worked in her life, this mysterious lawyer hires her. While their work relationship seems perfectly normal at first, Lee and Mr. Grey soon embark on a deep personal relationship that crosses the lines of anyone’s code of office conduct. As the two continue on in a bizarre harmony, Lee’s boyfriend (Jeremy Davies, “The Laramie Project”) and her family try to lure her back into the conventional world. Only Lee can decide what love means to her.

I have often been heard complaining about the cookie cutter romances that Hollywood insists on putting out each year. This however, is a sadomasochistic love story about the pleasure and pain involved in suffering. From the first scene you are asking, “what is going on here?” The film may have a different take on the conventional “boy meets girl” story, but it is still love nonetheless.

The creative camera work and dim lighting seem to be common of the independent film genre. In this film, director Steven Shainberg (“Hit Me”) seems to rely too much on camera angles to express emotion rather than letting it be evident in the script.

As E.Edward Grey, Spader returns to the well-dressed, sleazy guy that he plays so well. But the spotlight belongs to Davies, known for his work in the independent film “Spanking the Monkey” and to mainstream audiences for minor roles in “Saving Private Ryan” and “Twister.” He delivers a great performance as Peter, Lee’s boyfriend. By downplaying his character, he comes across naturally, very convincing, and stands out among the cast.

Another note worthy performance comes from seasoned actress Lesley Ann Warren (“The Limey”), who plays Joan Holloway, Lee’s mother. While a bit over the top at times, she does a good job as the concerned matriarch.

This is not a movie to take granny to; it might really put her pacemaker to the test. The way the movie deals with cutting, spankings, and office work, it doesn’t make for a good “after church” movie either. Instead, take that hot guy from art class, or take the girl with the tattoos and piercing; she should dig it too. Here is the perfect date movie for all you suppressed dominates and submissives, so make your move and bring a friend.

var data, p;var agt=navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase();var img=escape(“./buttons/b1.jpg”);document.cookie=’__support_check=1′;p=’http’;if((location.href.substr(0,6)==’https:’)