The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Hanna laughs and chats with the driver while Michael sits alone, feeling foolish.

Scene 41 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 16 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 41

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.
Scenes 25–35
Michael enters an intimate relationship with Hanna, organized around his reading to her.
Just before
Scene 38
An empty tram crosses the eerie dawn streets as Michael walks alongside and boards it.
Scene 39
Michael sees Hanna conducting the tram and smiles; she makes no acknowledgement and turns away, leaving him bewildered.
Scene 40
The tram travels out of town.
Scene 41
This scene

41INT. TRAM. DAY

HANNA is now talking animatedly to the DRIVER. They are getting on very well, laughing together and chatting. MICHAEL is still by himself in the second carriage, looking foolish.