Los Angeles, CA. (Top40 Charts/ CineMedia Promotions) - Lakeshore Records will release the soundtrack for THE READER, available digitally via iTunes and Amazon
Digital on December 9, 2008 and in stores on January 13, 2009. Based on the best-selling German novel by Bernhard Schlink, THE READER stars two-time Academy AwardT nominee Ralph Fiennes and five-time Academy AwardT nominee Kate Winslet. The soundtrack contains original music composed by Nico Muhly (Joshua, Choking Man).
Composer Nico Muhly received a Masters in Music from Julliard where he studied composition under Christopher Rouse and John Corigliano. His film credits include Choking Man (2006) and Joshua (2007). Muhly has worked extensively with Philip Glass as editor, keyboardist, and conductor for numerous film and stage projects. Muhly has released two albums Speaks Volumes and Mothertongue.
Academy AwardT nominated director Stephen Daldry (The Hours) brings the German author Bernhard Schlink's 1995 novel - the first German novel to reach number one on the New York Times Bestseller List - to life with THE READER. The film opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg (David Kross) becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna (Kate Winslet), a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair.
Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from "The Odyssey", "Huck Finn", and "The Lady with the Little Dog." Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken.
Eight years later, while Michael (now played by Ralph Fiennes) is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. THE READER is a haunting story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.
The Weinstein Company presents THE READER in theaters in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco on December 10, 2008 and opening nationwide on January 9, 2009. THE READER original soundtrack on Lakeshore Records will be available via iTunes and Amazon Digital on December 9th and in stores on January 13, 2009.
