In 1958 Berlin, Michael Berg (David Kross) meets older Hanna Schmit (Kate Winslet). Soon, a torrid affair begins. It lasts the summer, then she leaves. Attending college, Michael goes to a war crimes trial for a class and is shaken to see Hanna as one of the criminals. She is convicted and spends almost 20 years in prison. As he did during their affair, Michael reads books to her and sends her the tapes. Now a man with a child of his own, Michael (now played by Ralph Fiennes) has to come to terms with her effect on his life.

CRITIQUE

The Weinstein brothers were lords of Hollywood when they were at the head of Miramax, a studio they led to astonishing critical and financial successes. The company was bought by Disney, and the industry wondered what the two would do next. They created their own new studio, simply named The Weinstein Company, and with their release of this film, the brothers’ touch has clearly not waned. The Reader is a mature, emotional film, and the outstanding performances and elegant direction only enhance the literate and memorable narrative.

The topic of discussion regarding this film has been the sexual content. This is for good reason; there is a significant amount of nudity here but it is not gratuitous. The story requires that Michael be so affected by his experience with Hanna that it informs his entire life and that is the purpose those scenes serve. Most importantly, they work because they are in the hands of an actress capable, perhaps better than any other, of handling them to convey character. Kate Winslet uses every second of her performance here to prove once again why she is one of the absolute best actresses working today.

She gets more than adequate support from Kross, a young German actor making his English-language debut and faced with quite a demanding role. Aside from the love scenes, emotion must pour out of him as teenage Michael in a number of moments and he performs them well. Ralph Fiennes subtly presents the older Michael’s stoicism and it’s great to see Lena Olin in a double role.

The actors must have enjoyed being part of a literary adaptation, and while I have not yet read Bernard Schlink’s book, the script here succeeds in creating an intellectual feel. There are three clearly defined acts in the screenplay, and the plot itself seems like a fresh way to consider what happened during World War II.

Director Stephen Daldry has now become the first person to be Oscar-nominated for his first three films, including this one, and it’s easy to see why, with the way he uses the camera and the performances he leads his actors to. Amazing performances in The Reader bring to life a story full of maturity and intelligence under skillful direction.

THE VIDEO

The Reader is presented in anamorphic widescreen in a glitch-free transfer that boasts great colors, solid definition and a clear image.

THE AUDIO

The Reader is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, and it’s an excellent track. English and Spanish subtitles are also available.

THE EXTRAS

Deleted Scenes: Eleven scenes are included here, three of which are extended. These are lengthy scenes, really worthy of watching. The one where Michael has Hanna over to his house for dinner while his family is gone is particularly great. Nearly all of these give the viewer more of Winslet and Kross’ wonderful performances and would have fit in well with the finished film. Definitely watch these.

Adapting a Timeless Masterpiece: Making The Reader: The usual interviews and on-set footage make up this making-of doc. The discussion here is a bit more in-depth than in other extras of the same type. When they all talk about the film’s big theme of loving in the face of a person’s horrible actions, it is probably the best part. The fact that producers Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollak both died during production is also poignantly touched on.

A Conversation with David Kross and Stephen Daldry: The director and his young star talk briefly but entertainingly about working together, what Kross’ family thinks about the love scenes, and more. It’s clear the two work well together and this is a nice addition to the extras.

Kate Winslet on the Art of Aging Hanna Schmitz: This lengthy doc follows Winslet into the makeup trailer for her aging process. This is fascinating, as the level of painstaking work that the artists do with prosthetics to age an actor is truly demonstrated. Winslet also has some fun joking around with her co-workers, but the real focus of this is amazing transformation of the character.

A New Voice: A Look at Composer Nico Muhly: Muhly is the young, new composer Daldry hired for the film, and this doc goes with him into recording sessions. It’s great to see work like this from behind-the-scenes and Muhly is also interviewed. He talks about music in film in general and this score specifically. Film fans will love this extra.

Coming to Grips with the Past: Production Designer Brigitte Broch: A native German herself, Broch is interviewed as part of this doc. Daldry and other members of the cast and crew contribute as well. Broch talks about her personal connection to this material, which is probably the best part of this bonus feature. Watch this too.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Reader showcases strong direction, acting, and production values with a script that mesmerizes. The film’s big themes as well as the filmmaking process are the subject of entertaining extras on this disc as well. Adults who want a movie-watching experience full of impact would do well to consider renting or purchasing The Reader; it will not disappoint.