The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael walks around his apartment in shorts and a T-shirt, reading into a microphone.

Scene 156 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct two

Begins 1:05 into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 156

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 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
Michael records himself reading the Odyssey onto tape.
Scene 156
This scene

156INT. MICHAEL’S APARTMENT. NIGHT

Later. MICHAEL is now walking up and down, in his shorts and T-shirt, microphone in hand, still reading.

MICHAEL

“Ah, how shameless - the way these

mortals blame the gods.

From us alone, they say, come all

their miseries...