Steven Shainberg’s S&M-infused romantic comedy was one of the boldest and most original films to play UK cinemas, and over two decades later there’s still nothing like it.

Lee (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a troubled woman with an alcoholic father and clinging mother takes a job as secretary for the nervy, eccentric Edward Grey (James Spader). As their relationship develops so does the realisation that their passion is fuelled by something very special - their unconventional way of expressing affection.

A decade before Fifty Shades James Spader was this Mr. Grey, and Maggie Gyllenhaal delivered a career-making performance as the fragile Lee in this bright witty adaptation of Mary Gaitskill’s titular short story. Spader plays his unfathomable lawyer with intensity and precision and adds fearlessly to his canon of sexually off-kilter characters (Sex, lies and videotape (1989), Crash (1996)). There’s a wonderful group of supporting players notably indie favourite, Jeremy Davis as Lee’s ineffectual boyfriend, Peter; Stephen McHattie as her abusive father; and the always excellent Lesley Ann Warren as her hand-wringing mother. The revelation however is Gyllenhaal, who’s gawky, semi-attractive Lee emerges as plucky rather than pathetic, and progresses from self-harming uncertainty to confident self-awareness by the end of the film. Screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson and director Shainberg deserve much credit for creating empathetic believable characters, maintaining a light breezy tone, and successfully walking the high wire presented by the material - edgy but never exploitive.

After premiering at Sundance in 2002 the film was awarded a Special Jury Prize for “originality” and went on to critical acclaim and cult success on both sides of the Atlantic. Released in two different versions - a 104-minute US theatrical cut and a 111-minute director’s cut - Lost Reels is proud to present the director’s preferred version of this funny, sexy, controversial, touchingly romantic film from an original 35mm UK release print.