The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

At dinner, Michael’s family argues over his illness; he insists he needs no doctor, while his father refuses discussion.

Scene 10 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Carla
Peter
Emily
Michael

Act oneAct two

Begins 3 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 10

As a law student, Michael sees Hanna, his former lover, on trial for war crimes and must face the secret that shaped their teenage relationship.

Scenes 1–6
In 1995, Michael prepares breakfast for Brigitte, then is alone in his apartment and looks out the window.
Just before
Scene 7
In the rain, sick Michael vomits in a courtyard; Hanna, a tram conductress, cleans him and comforts him until he calms.
Scene 8
Hanna carries Michael’s satchel and pulls him along the street.
Scene 9
Michael reaches his block and tells Hanna he will be fine; after he goes inside, she hesitates at a crossroads while he watches.
Scene 10
This scene

10INT. BERG APARTMENT. BLUMENSTRASSE. NIGHT

CARLA BERG is at the stove in the kitchen. She takes dinner through for the BERG family, at a round table in a traditional apartment, under a five-candled brass chandelier.

MICHAEL’S father, PETER, is a balding, abstracted man, eating in oppressive silence. Next to him, his older brother THOMAS, 18, his older sister, ANGELA, and his younger sister, EMILY. MICHAEL has his book in front of him, not touching his food.

CARLA

I’m worried about him. He looks

terrible.

PETER

The boy’s saying he doesn’t need a

doctor.

EMILY

He does.

MICHAEL

I don’t need a doctor.

PETER

Good then.

CARLA looks reproachful.

CARLA

Peter.

PETER

We’re not going to argue about

this. People have to take

responsibility for their own lives.