Makin' Typo's
Secretary
Review Review by Ross Anthony

What a strange film. I swear I'm not sure how I feel about it. Well, this is a rough idea of what you'd be in for if you view it. A careful, nearly meticulous look at two functioning people with specific psychological issues. If it's a dark comedy -- I didn't quite get the humor, though it does have some humor.

More it seemed a commentary on how those with serious issues find a way to make themselves happy, not by working out their issues, but by working with them. If this is the case, then this commentary isn't very inspirational, at best bittersweet. Two dysfunctional people fall in a twisted sort of love with each other, mostly via a twisted sort of sexual attraction.

They find a way to meet each other's needs in a way that is both abusive and yet satisfying. Perhaps it's an exaggeration of what real couples do. Though our neurosis and quirky needs aren't quite as unacceptable as the two in this film, perhaps the common couple is guilty of the same sort of generalization. Instead of doing the hard thing and working out their problems, the common couple finds a way to spite each other just enough to feel/fake pride and independence while not so much as to send the other running away.

It's not a pleasant thought, but maybe a wake up call. Be forewarned this film gets pretty sadistic and displays the sexual in ways that will no doubt be offensive to many people.


  • Secretary. Copyright © 2002.
  • Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren, Patrick Bauchau, Stephen McHattie.
  • Directed by Steven Shainberg.
  • Screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson.
  • Produced by Steven Shainberg, Andrew Fierberg, Amy Hobby at Sloughpound/twopoundbag.

Grade..........................B (2/4)

Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 07:53:29 PDT