The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

On the tram, Michael secretly watches Hanna collect tickets; she calls the next stop without noticing him.

Scene 21 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 8 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 21

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.
Scene 7
Hanna finds and comforts Michael while he is sick, creating their first connection.
Just before
Scene 18
At dawn, Michael lies awake and hears a tram pass outside.
Scene 19
A tram moves through the quiet street at dawn.
Scene 20
Michael gets out of bed and dresses quickly.
Scene 21
This scene

21INT. TRAM. DAY

MICHAEL, reading a book, watches unobserved, fascinated as HANNA collects tickets. She calls out the name of the next stop. She doesn’t see him as she works.