The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Hanna finds Michael waiting on the landing and directs him to carry up two buckets from downstairs.

Scene 23 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Hanna

Act oneAct two

Begins 8 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 23

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 20
Michael gets out of bed and dresses quickly.
Scene 21
On the tram, Michael secretly watches Hanna collect tickets; she calls the next stop without noticing him.
Scene 22
Michael waits for workmen to clear Hanna’s courtyard, then slips inside and climbs toward her apartment.
Scene 23
This scene

23INT. LANDING. HANNA’S APARTMENT. DAY

MICHAEL is sitting on the steps of the first landing. Then, as if from nowhere, HANNA is suddenly standing behind him, in uniform, carrying a box of coal in one hand, a scuttle in the other. She looks tired but not surprised to see him.

HANNA

There are two more buckets

downstairs. You can fill them and

bring them up.

HANNA walks straight past him. For a moment he tenses as if there might be some contact. But she goes by.