Jane Schoenbrun to Direct Live Reading of Iconic Cult Classic 'Secretary'

A Quarter-Century of Influence

In a move that bridges the gap between early 2000s independent cinema and the current generation of queer-coded auteur filmmaking, the cult classic erotic romance Secretary is set to return to the spotlight. Nearly 25 years after it first shocked and charmed audiences, the Steven Shainberg-helmed film will be honored with a one-night-only live reading. The event, organized by Film Independent in partnership with global streaming powerhouse Mubi, promises to revisit the provocative narrative that helped define the indie landscape at the turn of the millennium.

The Visionary Behind the Lens

Directing this special performance is Jane Schoenbrun, the acclaimed writer and director behind the highly anticipated project Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. Schoenbrun, whose work is often celebrated for its exploration of identity, digital alienation, and the complexities of human desire, is uniquely suited to interpret Shainberg’s original vision.

By bringing the cast of their upcoming Mubi production to the stage for this reading, Schoenbrun is creating a dialogue between two distinct eras of independent cinema. This collaborative effort serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Secretary, a film that defied genre conventions by blending dark humor, power dynamics, and genuine emotional vulnerability.

Why 'Secretary' Remains a Cultural Touchstone

When Secretary was released in 2002, it was hailed for its bold approach to sexuality and its breakout performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The story—a complex, off-beat romance between an employer and his assistant—navigated themes of BDSM and workplace dynamics with a nuance that was rare for mainstream or even independent films of that period.

Film historians and critics often cite the movie as a pivotal moment in the normalization of erotic narratives that prioritize character development over mere spectacle. By revisiting the script in a live format, audiences are invited to re-examine the dialogue and character motivations that made the film a breakout success at the Sundance Film Festival nearly two and a half decades ago.

What to Expect from the Live Reading

While details regarding the specific cast members from Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma have been kept under wraps, the anticipation surrounding the event is palpable. Live readings have become an increasingly popular way for cinephiles to engage with classic screenplays, stripping away the visual spectacle of film to focus entirely on the rhythm of the dialogue and the chemistry between performers.

Key aspects of the upcoming event include:

• Collaborative Synergy: Pairing the creative team of Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma with a seminal erotic classic underscores the thematic threads connecting contemporary indie horror/drama with the erotic romances of the past.
• Mubi’s Curatorial Role: As a streaming platform dedicated to high-quality international and independent film, Mubi’s involvement suggests a commitment to preserving the lineage of unconventional storytelling.
• The Evolution of Erotica: The reading offers a scholarly and entertaining opportunity to see how modern actors interpret scripts that were written in a pre-streaming, pre-social media era of film distribution.

Looking Ahead at the Independent Scene

This event is more than just a nostalgic trip; it is a celebration of the independent spirit that allows stories like Secretary to exist in the first place. As Jane Schoenbrun continues to make waves with their own directorial projects, this live reading serves as a bridge, connecting the established canon of indie cinema with the bold voices of the future. For fans of both the original 2002 film and the burgeoning career of Schoenbrun, this one-night event is poised to be a highlight of the season’s cultural calendar.