Lighting in Secretary

In the film “Secretary”(2002), the director used more than one type of lighting in the process of filming the movie.  This helps cause different moods during the progression of the movie, and it helps evoke different feelings from the viewers

 

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In this scene, Lee is bringing Grey a drink in his office, the lighting in the scene adds to the sense of both Grey’s mystique as well as still conveying a strong business/lawyer’s office feel.  While watching this scene because of the lighting I also drew the conclusion that the lighting adds to the emotions of both of the characters, that the shadows allude to the still unanswered questions about Lee and Grey’s budding romantic relationship.  The lighting stays the same for all of the office scenes, dark, but well-lit in necessary spots like the front office, whereas the hallway leading to Grey’s office is dark and low-lit building thoughts of curiosity and possibly a sense of danger or mystery.

However, there are moments where the lighting is very different in “Secretary” as well.  In one scene Lee walks home and the lighting in that scene is bright, and outdoors, and gives the viewers a feeling that Lee is growing as a woman, and coming into herself as both a woman, and as an adult, like a moment of her soul is growing brighter.

The lighting in all of the scenes add to the authenticity of the movie and events, creating a sense of realism in the movie.  The director’s choice makes it possible to believe that the occurences within the movie could happen in any office, not just a law office, in addition if he had chosen any other possible lighting choices, the movie would have been less believable, because a natural effect is definitely needed in this kind of movie.

 

Lionsgate. (2002). James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Lionsgate’s Secretary – 2002[Photograph Still]. Retrieved from http://www.superiorpics.com/james_spader/movie-picture/2002_secretary_004.html

Secretary (1/9) Movie CLIP – There’s Something About You (2002) HD [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QflHaPOXcA4&list=PL0248A14D006C065E

Secretary(2002)

Movie Poster

Secretary (2002)

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Crew:

Director, Co-producer: Steven Shainberg

Screenwriter: Erin Cressida Wilson

Director of Photography: Steve Fierberg

Producers: double A films

Cast:

James Spader – Mr E Edward Grey

Maggie Gyllenhaal – Lee Holloway

Jeremy Davies – Peter

Lesley Ann Warren – Joan Holloway

Stephen McHattie – Burt Holloway

Amy Locane – Theresa Holloway

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Secretary is a dark comedy that delves into human behavior and unconventional human sexuality between a man and a woman.

After being released from a mental health institution for battling a issue with cutting – Lee (Maggie Gyllenhaal) finds herself back at home with her family, and attending secretarial classes.  Upon completion of the class Lee begins a tedious journey of finding a job as a secretary and after being turned down several times for lack of experience she applies at the law office of E. Edward Grey (James Spader).

Grey explains to Lee that the work will be absolutely boring, as a secretary and that the work is done only on a typewriter.  Lee responds in a unique way, stating that she “likes boring.”  Lee strives to please her employer, including how she dresses and wears her hair, to be more suitable for the law office.  Interestingly, her “normal” family also desires for her to succeed in this new job.

As the relationship between Lee and Grey progress, they find themselves embarking on a journey into dominance and submission – Lee being the submissive, and Grey being the caring, somewhat quirky Dominant – roles which they both assume willingly and naturally.

Lee’s boyfriend, Peter, and her family eventually try to coax Lee back to normalcy of what typical relationships are like to no-avail.  Lee has in her own right discovered what works for her and what love means to her, and to Grey.   Upon her acceptance of this realization, Lee confronts Grey and proceeds to push him to admit to himself and her that their kind of love can work…

Even as a 24/7 relationship, that they both assume the roles of Dominant and submissive, even if it means living a life of love that challenges all preconceived notions of what love is.

The chronological storytelling of “Secretary” continues throughout the movie, however, there are moments of flashbacks for Lee’s character which assist in understanding her motives and behavior throughout the rest of the movie.  If the movie had been filmed in a non-chronological format, the story would be difficult to understand or follow because there would be less connection with each of the characters.

Secretary – Movie Trailer [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmSO07r_zTc

Secretary [Movie Poster]. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.impawards.com/2002/secretary_xlg.html