Those that find the film all of the above would probably tell you that they admire it because it is an exploration into the self. It's all about the inner dialectics of the infinitely subjective human condition, self liberation, know thyself, etcetera, etcetera.The deep "academic" stuff aside, it's really about is a mentally ill woman who happens to like hurting herself (cutting) who gets exploited by her employer who happens to be a sadist. There's lots of sex in it and it is deeply symbolic, but it's just not that interesting or emotional, unless you have sado-masochist tendencies. It's a twisted film for twisted people. I'm sure they would agree.

This is a terrible film. One does not have to be a conservative to dislike this film but just be sane and have common sense. Secretary fails to include what most average films have, a plot. There seems to be no coherent or realistic plot. A number of reviewers have raved about it being a dark love story. Simply not true and utter nonsense. One moment these two disturbed people are not close and the next we have to believe they are in love over some sick desires for domination they share. A lot of unrealistic love stories have been made but this takes the cake. This film also has parallels to fifty shades of grey which was equally disturbing. People who actually like this film probably need some mental help. Perhaps they like watching or experiencing torture, maybe their favorite film is Schindlers list for the wrong twisted reasons. This film is not worth a watch.

The first sight of James Spader is exhilarating. He captures the almost hysterical hilarity of his character with the most spaced out expression I have ever seen. He and Gyllenhaal are spectacular. This is not an S&M or bondage film, it is a captivating story of two very neurotic people who act out in very unique ways. Maggie's character tries to experiment with Dom-Sub types after being rejected but it is not the same. She is just madly in love with a man who is wound up too tightly for this world. They both have their stories and they both have their remedies. You will not see either in any other film. None of the remedies are politically correct and the highly astute will claim they should both be on heavy meds because that is the only remedy most highly astute people know and accept. But these two go their own way and it is one fun, joyous trip that is never predictable, always jaw dropping and simply perfect.

I'm giving this flick a 10 for a special reason. It achieves what very, very few films achieve: It successfully portrays a human-dimensioned, warm, believable, miraculous redemption. It didn't make me cry or shake me to my core. It simply gave me a tender, life-affirming hope: People can change.It's so funny to be reviewing this after the narratively anemic 'The Intern'. My comment to that flick was the diametric opposite to this one, and it comes down to this: You can't have redemption without real issues.All that, and it's actually wonderful from many other standpoints, from top (mythos/redemption) to bottom (sets/cinematography).It's truly an art flick, and a wonder to behold. Behold it!