The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

A teacher explains secrecy as central to literature; Michael listens contentedly until the bell.

Scene 32 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Save the Cat: Theme Stated
Teacher

Act oneAct two

Begins 13 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 32

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 29
Michael rushes into Hanna’s apartment and has sex with her; she reminds him the encounter is not only about him.
Scene 30
Hanna guides Michael’s hands and leads their lovemaking, reaching orgasm as he watches.
Scene 31
After sex, Michael asks Hanna’s name; she eventually tells him, and asks his in return.
Scene 32
This scene

32INT. CLASSROOM. SCHOOL. DAY

A TEACHER, in his sixties, has scrawled the words ‘Odysseus’, ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Faust’ on the blackboard. The class of BOYS is attentive. Next to him, his friend HOLGER SCHLUTER. Across the way, RUDOLF.

TEACHER

The notion of secrecy is central to

Western literature. You may say the

whole idea of character in fiction

is defined by people holding

specific information which for

various reasons - sometimes

perverse, sometimes noble - they

are determined not to disclose.

MICHAEL looks content. The bell goes.