Tonight, I watched two movies that took their particular subjects beyond expectation or good taste. Secretary by Steven Shainberg follows the relationship of two people meant to be. Lee (Maggie Gyllenhall) is woman that can only be relieved of emotional pain through physical pain. Mr. Grey (James Spader) enjoys inflicting discomfort, pain, and humiliation on his secretaries. The story begins with Lee finding employment at Mr. Grey’s private law practice. This movie had the potential for massive mysogeny, but the the writers and director showed that the submissive has a greater power in a BDSM relationship. Lee, also, submits willingly to her employers commands without ever being threatened. Her wish for employment is an extention of her desire to submit.
My second choice for the evening was Bad Santa. Billy Bob Thorton plays a hood that poses as shopping center Santas in order to case stores. Tony Cox is his partner and constant nag. Thorton finds sympathy for a lonely boy. Through all the over-the-top language and yelling, Thorton teaches the boy how to stand up for himself. Also appearing is Bernie Mac as the sharp store detective seeking his cut of the action and John Ritter as the PC store manager.
Both movies found sympathy in their subjects and showed appropriate humor and seriousness where it was due. It has been a while since I was so stimulated in one evening. Both are very good films. Keepers.