The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael reads a Shakespeare sonnet to Hanna in the bath; she pulls him in with her.

Scene 49 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 20 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 49

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 46
Michael questions Hanna’s lack of response on the tram and says he cannot live without her; she asks if he thought they could make love there, then nods forgiveness and love.
Scene 47
Hanna asks Michael to read before they make love; he begins Schiller’s Intrigue and Love.
Scene 48
While Hanna bakes bread, Michael reads her the Odyssey and describes it as a journey.
Scene 49
This scene

49INT. HANNA’S APARTMENT. EVE

HANNA is in the bath. MICHAEL is reading a Shakespeare sonnet to her.

MICHAEL

“And we will some new pleasures

prove of golden sands and crystal

brooks, with silken lights and

silver hooks...”

HANNA

Come here.

She pulls him into the bath.