The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael confronts Hanna on the stairs about her behavior; she enters without answering.

Scene 45 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 17 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 45

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 42
The tram stops and passengers board.
Scene 43
Hanna clips Michael’s ticket without acknowledging him; humiliated, he bolts off at the next stop.
Scene 44
Stranded in the countryside, Michael watches the tram leave and starts walking back toward town.
Scene 45
This scene

45INT. LANDING. HANNA’S APARTMENT. DAY

MICHAEL is on the stairs as HANNA comes up, in her uniform.

MICHAEL

What was all that about?

HANNA lets herself in, saying nothing.