The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael records himself reading the Odyssey onto tape.

Scene 155 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct two

Begins 1:04 into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 155

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 152
Hanna removes the tape player from the parcel in her cell.
Scene 153
Michael tests the microphone by speaking into it.
Scene 154
Hanna starts Michael’s recording of the Odyssey, then switches it off in alarm.
Scene 155
This scene

155INT. MICHAEL’S APARTMENT. EVE

MICHAEL presses the recording button and speaks into the machine.

MICHAEL

The Odyssey by Homer.

“Sing to me of the Man, Muse, the

man of twists and turns

Driven time and again off course,

once he had plundered

The hallowed heights of Troy...

Many cities of men he saw and

learned their minds,

Many pains he suffered, heartsick

at the open sea,

Fighting to save his life and bring

his comrades home...