The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael rushes into Hanna’s apartment and has sex with her; she reminds him the encounter is not only about him.

Scene 29 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Hanna

Act oneAct two

Begins 12 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 29

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.
Scene 25
After returning to Hanna’s apartment, Michael bathes with her and they begin their affair.
Just before
Scene 26
Michael’s family questions his late return; he says he will resume school, and his father lets him decide.
Scene 27
Michael leaves school in a hurry, waving goodbye to friends as he runs off.
Scene 28
Michael hurries up to Hanna’s apartment and pushes open its ajar door.
Scene 29
This scene

29INT. HANNA’S APARTMENT. DAY

HANNA is at the sink. MICHAEL comes in, precipitate, tearing off his clothes and embracing her at the same time. He drops his trousers and lifts her onto the sink. He comes in about twenty seconds. He stands sweating.

HANNA

All right, kid, it’s not just about

you.