The Reader

“Do You Love Me?”

Love Hurts, and Secrets Can Destroy It

Kate Winslet is in it – so I was already sold. I was glad to finally find a location playing The Reader. I had intended on reading the novel before seeing the film, but I thought it more important to take the opportunity to see the film before Oscar nominations are released. I will say, even before I reveal my grade, that it was the most satisfying cinematic experience of the year (2008).

The Reader follows Michael Berg, played by David Kross and Ralph Fiennes, and his relationship with Hanna Schmitz, an older woman with whom he has an affair while he is 15 years old. The relationship is further complicated when Hanna is put on trial.

I liked this film for its success in weaving together a few very complicated themes without overreaching. The first theme involves the complexity of cross-generational relationships. Michael Berg is in love with Hanna Schmitz, but is the love really mutual? Second, the idea of guilt is explored. I don’t mean guilt as defined by a court of law, necessarily, but I am talking more about self guilt. What does your conscience feel when you know you have done something wrong? Finally, the film explores humiliation. What are you willing to conceal from the world? What are you so ashamed of that you are willing to adversely change the course of your life in order to conceal it? Obviously, since this is a critique and not a summary, I shall speak no further!

Kate Winslet’s performance, as usual, was nothing short of gold. She deserves an Oscar nomination, and probably a win for her performance. But, one thing that has shocked me is that newcomer David Kross has been largely ignored for his lead performance. He plays the role of young Michael Berg superbly, and if I had it my way, he would receive a nomination for Best Lead Actor. His commitment to his role was obvious in that he learned English for this role, and he definitely knew what he was saying during his lines – it wasn’t rote memorization. I hope to see more form him, and I hope he trickles his way into American culture.

Cheers, Mr Daldry! You have created what I believe (from what I’ve seen so far), is the best film of 2009. And, yes, a small tear was shed. So, with that, I give this film a solid A!