The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael waits in the lobby as a clerk calls Ms. Mather into court.

Scene 105 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Clerk

Act oneAct two

Begins 45 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 105

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.
Scenes 7–24
The sick schoolboy Michael accepts Hanna’s help and returns to her.
Scenes 25–35
Michael enters an intimate relationship with Hanna, organized around his reading to her.
Scenes 36–96
Michael alternates between time with Hanna and school; their reading ritual and cycling trip continue while he also spends time with friends.
Scenes 97–104
At the trial, Michael finds Hanna among the defendants and hears her admit involvement in selections.
Just before
Scene 102
Michael smokes on the balcony and watches a couple making love in a nearby room.
Scene 103
Rohl challenges students’ assumptions about justice and inherited guilt, arguing the law is narrow; Michael says he is no longer sure.
Scene 104
Hanna admits joining the monthly prisoner selections and says new arrivals meant the guards had to move others on because there was not room.
Scene 105
This scene

105INT. LOBBY. TOWN HALL. DAY

MICHAEL is alone, smoking. On a bench, side by side, are two women. One is very small, dark, in her sixties. The other is composed, formidable, elegant, in her thirties. ROSE and ILANA MATHER. They look up, catching MICHAEL’s eye. Then a CLERK leans in to the younger woman.

CLERK

Ms. Mather, they’re ready for you

now.

The two women go into the court. The door closes.