The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael descends into the dim cellar for coal; the pile collapses over him as he fills a bucket.

Scene 24 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 8 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 24

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 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
Hanna finds Michael waiting on the landing and directs him to carry up two buckets from downstairs.
Scene 24
This scene

24INT. CELLAR. DAY

MICHAEL opens the door. He turns on a dim light. There is a flight of wooden stairs into the murk of a huge pile of coke, poured in from the street. He goes down to the bottom, and picks up a bucket. He digs in to the coke, and at once it comes tumbling down on him in a cloud of dust.