The Reader left me feeling empty. It was like reading the whole book of Ecclesiastes and finding out everything under the sun is all in vain. Stephen Daldry's third film as director (Billy Elliot & The Hours being the other 2) leaves you hanging (no pun intended) to fend for yourself in seeking the answers. Is the intention to make the audience think? Daldry only succeeds in making us ask, "What's the point?"
Despite the desultory screenplay, The Reader captivates, if only for Kate Winslet's performance (as Hanna Schmitz) - undeniably a tour de force. Some people may be offended with the first half of the film entirely devoted to graphic displays of carnal taboo - a May-December affair between Winslet's character and a 15-year old boy (played by David Kross). Trivia: The shooting for the movie took a break for Kross to turn 18 so the love scenes could be shot.
Verdict: I still think Melissa Leo should win Oscar Best Actress. But knowing the history of the Academy Awards' penchant for conservativeness, they may go for Winslet. Don't get me wrong. Winslet was awesome, but Leo was just better. I also think that The Reader does not deserve the Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
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