The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Carla says it has been a long time since she saw Julia and challenges Michael for missing his father’s funeral; Michael says the town is difficult to visit, and Carla says she is worried about him.

Scene 142 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Michael
Carla
Julia

Act oneAct two

Begins 1:00 into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 142

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.
Scenes 106–137
Testimony reveals Hanna’s role; Michael’s discovery of her illiteracy cannot prevent her conviction.
Just before
Scene 139
On a train, Michael thinks back as his younger self becomes his older self.
Scene 140
In 1976, Michael rides with four-year-old Julia, promising to reveal their destination when they arrive.
Scene 141
Michael walks with Julia toward his childhood home, recognizing the landmarks from his past.
Scene 142
This scene

142INT. DINING ROOM. BERG APARTMENT. DAY

They are all three eating at the dinner table, eating a small roast chicken.

MICHAEL

She’s grown, hasn’t she?

CARLA

I don’t know. It’s so long since I

saw her, Michael, how can I tell?

MICHAEL

My fault. We shouldn’t have come

unannounced.

JULIA

Daddy, why’s she angry?

MICHAEL smiles. Even CARLA smiles slightly.

MICHAEL

I’m afraid I’ve have some bad news.

Julia knows.

We’ve already told her. Gertrud and

I are getting a divorce.

JULIA

Daddy’s going to live in his own

house.

CARLA

You didn’t come for your father’s

funeral, but you come for this?

MICHAEL

You know, it’s not easy for me to

visit this town.

CARLA

Were you really so unhappy?

MICHAEL

That’s not what I’m saying. It’s

not what I meant.

CARLA

Well then?

CARLA looks at him hard.

MICHAEL

You mustn’t worry about Gertrud.

I’m going to look after her. And

anyway, let’s face it, she’s

already a state prosecutor, she

earns far more than I do.

CARLA

Michael, I’m not worried about

Gertrud. I’m worried about you.