The Reader movie review
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
In an effort to inject a little more culture into my life, I decided to go and see a film nominated for five Academy Awards, 'The Reader'.
The Reader is based upon the 1995 German novel 'Der Vorleser', that funnily enough translates to 'The Reader'. The novel was written by German law professor and judge Bernhard Schlink. Like the film, the novel also won quite a few awards, but perhaps it's greatest honour was being a selection for Oprah's Book Club.
The film adaptation tells the story of German lawyer, Michael Berg, and the impact his first real 'adult' relationship has had on his life. Michael's story is told through a series of flashbacks. The film opens in Berlin, in 1995, as Michael (played by Ralph Fiennes) prepares breakfast for a woman that has obviously spent the night. On her way out the door, the woman laments Michael's inability to allow her to get close to him, wondering if he was like that with all the women in his life. As Michael watches a train go by, we are taken back to 1958. (more...)