The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Hanna wades in the river as Michael writes a poem about her; she asks to hear it, but he says it is unfinished.

Scene 60 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Last scene of act one

Hanna
Michael

Act oneAct two

Begins 24 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 60

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 57
After the meal, Michael answers the waitress’s “mother” remark as if it were true; outside he kisses Hanna as the waitress watches.
Scene 58
At a church, Michael tries to show Hanna their route; she refuses, and they hear a choir inside.
Scene 59
Hanna is absorbed by a family choir singing Bach in the church while Michael watches her.
Scene 60
This scene

60EXT. RIVERSIDE. DAY

HANNA is in a river, the water up to her calves, her skirt tied round her thighs. She is completely absorbed. Then she looks up, aware of being watched. MICHAEL is sitting with a notebook.

HANNA

What are you doing?

MICHAEL

I’m writing a poem. About you.

HANNA

Can I hear it?

MICHAEL

It’s not ready. I’ll read it to you

one day.