Secretary (2002)

Premise: Upon being released from a mental institution, Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) takes a job as the secretary of a demanding lawyer, E. Edward Grey (James Spader). Their relationship quickly takes a sadomasochistic turn.

Yes, gentle reader, I suppose you could say that I watched an S&M movie. It's not like I watched S&M porn, jsut a movie with an S&M plot. So what?

This idea may shock you, but it is actually a brilliant comedy. My affection for Jake Gyllenhaal also applies to his older sister. She positively shines as a quirkily sensual masochist, and Spader brings down the house as a reserved, repressed sadist. The film is bloody brilliant with their great performances.

I have not seen anything else by Steven Shainberg (director), but, from what I can tell, he is uncannily comedic. Honestly, just go with it. If you don't, you won't understand why it is so funny. Also, Erica Cressida Wilson doesn't seem to have written anything else, but her adaptation of Mary Gaitskill's short story is spot on.

Right at the end of the film, Lee gives this look into that camera at a friend aptly interpreted as "Don't judge me." That's the way I feel about the film. Just get over this whole S&M thing if it makes you uncomfortable. It's genius, and I think you'll love it. Especially those red sharpies.