The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

In 1988, Michael takes a phone call about Hanna’s approaching release.

Scene 174 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct two

Begins 1:09 into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 174

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.
Scene 155
Michael records himself reading the Odyssey aloud onto tape.
Just before
Scene 171
Hanna writes asking whether Michael still likes Dickens, then repeatedly drafts a plea for him to answer her letters.
Scene 172
Michael reads Hanna’s latest letter asking him to write, places it atop a stack of letters, and closes the drawer.
Scene 173
Hanna stands at her cell window in despair.
Scene 174
This scene

174INT. MICHAEL’S APARTMENT. KREUZBERG. DAY

1988. MICHAEL, 44, is at his desk, with the phone in his hand, with a typed letter in front of him.

MS BRENNER (VOICE ON PHONE)

You’re Michael Berg?

MICHAEL’S VOICE

Yes.

MS BRENNER (VOICE ON PHONE)

You got my letter?

MICHAEL

I have it here.

MS BRENNER (PHONE)

As I say, Hanna Schmitz is coming

up for release very soon.

MICHAEL fingers the letter a moment.