The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael returns Julia to Gertrud, admits he wanted to reconnect with his mother, and is told contact must be reciprocal.

Scene 145 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Julia
Gertrud
Michael

Act oneAct two

Begins 1:02 into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 145

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 142
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 143
Julia sleeps in Michael’s arms on the train as he looks down at her affectionately.
Scene 144
Michael guides Julia across a busy Berlin street, holding her hand.
Scene 145
This scene

145INT. LANDING. GERTRUD’S APARTMENT. BERLIN. NIGHT

GERTRUD has come to the door, a shrewd-looking intelligent woman, a little older than MICHAEL, very thin, in slacks and a blouse. MICHAEL is standing outside with JULIA.

JULIA

Hello Mummy.

GERTRUD

Hello beautiful.

GERTRUD leans down and scoops JULIA up, kisses her. MICHAEL stands on the step, hovering.

GERTRUD

Do you mind if I don’t ask you in?

MICHAEL

I don’t mind at all. I’ve a lot to

do, in fact.

It doesn’t look like it. He stands, not going.

MICHAEL

I took her to see where I grew up.

GERTRUD

You went to the West? My God, what

a trip.

JULIA

We went to say hello to granny.

GERTRUD

Oh. Daddy took you to see Carla,

did he?

JULIA

She was strange.

GERTRUD

Come on, let’s see what’s on TV.

GERTRUD gives JULIA her supper and puts her in front of the TV. Then she comes back to MICHAEL.

GERTRUD

I bet she was strange.

MICHAEL

You could say.

GERTRUD

She always was. Why on earth did

you decide to do that?

MICHAEL

I don’t know. Impulse.

GERTRUD says nothing.

MICHAEL

I suppose if I’m honest we went

because I wanted to re-establish

contact.

GERTRUD

With your mother? And did you

succeed?

They both smile.

MICHAEL

Are you all right?