The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael joins his client just before the judge enters; he sits and drifts into memory.

Scene 66 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct two

Begins 25 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 66

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 63
Michael drives through a rebuilding Berlin while listening to the Bach music from the church.
Scene 64
Michael parks, gets out, and walks purposefully across the street.
Scene 65
At the courthouse, Michael dons his robe and hurries in with Gerhard and an assistant carrying documents.
Scene 66
This scene

66INT. COURTROOM. DAY

MICHAEL joins his CLIENT, just seconds before the FEMALE JUDGE comes in and everyone stands. Silence. The JUDGE looks at MICHAEL disapprovingly, sensing his lateness. Everyone sits. MICHAEL sits, thinking back.