There is a scene in Stephen Daldry's dreary new film The Reader where the director aims to show his protagonist Michael's life in contrast: the scene cuts back and forth between passionate lovemaking he enjoys during truancy, and the amplified sounds of cutlery as he dines with his family in silence.
And as we are jolted lyrically from sex to silverware and back, there comes a moment where you see Michael's brother not even bothering to eat, just striking his bowl with his spoon. It is a striking oversight, showing just how much the director is concentrating on designing emphasis, and how little the true details matter.
That problem is symptomatic of this overlong, painfully overwritten film. There is craftsmanship on display and great clarity in its execution, but this film -- set to a moodily tinkling piano -- is essentially an uninvolving piece, given some credibility only because of two very solid performances.
Kate Winslet poses with her Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for The Reader.
Text: Raja Sen | Photograph: Danny Moloshok
Also Read: Spotlight on Kate
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