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NOVEMBER 16, 2005 at 10:11 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: Empire Online via The Leaky Cauldron
Empire Online has posted a new interview
with Michael Gambon, Albus Dumbledore, from the Harry Potter movies. Mr. Gambon mentions that he has never read the books and doesn't see the point, the kids and the difference working with new director Mike Newell.
Empire: Are you kind of easing into the role a bit more now you have done one film as Dumbledore?
Gambon: I just play him as myself, I don’t ease myself into any role really. I stick a beard on and play me. Every part I play is just a variant of my own personality. No real character actor, of course, just me.
Empire: Have you still not read any of the books?
Gambon: Well, I don’t see any point. I’ve got the scripts. People who have read the books get miserable because of all the bits that have been cut out. So I just read the script. That's the best way.
You can read the full interview here.
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Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1279
SlytherinHeiress says:
Never read the books? No point to reading the books? And he plays "himself?" Maybe that's why he doesn't quite fit in to my idea of Dumbledore. Richard Harris was a wonderful Dumbledore, bless him.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:17 AM EST
Beauty Princess
Points: 6008
H.R.H Queen of Gossip says:
I am a big fan of Michael Gambon!
He's such a great actor!
I can't wait vyo read the fulll interview!
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:17 AM EST
Animagus
Points: 19544
Sirius-Ella says:
No character actory? I'm sorry but I was a bit disappointed to see that.. I was kind hoping to have the book dumbledore because he is the most interesting character in that book
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:19 AM EST
Witch
Points: 508
Trianna says:
He has a point about the scripts, but he also sounds like he never acts!!
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:21 AM EST
Witch
Points: 851
Wesleylove says:
why dose he need to read the book. he has the script to read. that is almost like reading the book. He is also playing Albus Dumbledore and he see what is going on the sets of the movie.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:25 AM EST
Hogwart's Jedi Princess
Points: 3491
Darth Amanda says:
I can't belive that he has never read any of the books!!! And he's Dumbledore!!! Seriously, I think that they need to get some actors that are actually, um, Harry Potter fans!!! I think you would understand your part better, especally if you are somebody important like Dumbldore if you have read the book.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:34 AM EST
Every Flavored Bean
Points: 2890
the bean says:
No wonder he doesn't know how to play Dumbledore. He knows nothing about him. That is just ridiculus that he just "plays himself".
Another reason why I miss Richard Harris so much.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:35 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 546
AWD-HP says:
I believe he should read the books, because it sets the the mood and atitude of Dumbledore, and a script sets the mood and attitude of the movie so it flows. The screenwriter are very talented writers, but they are not JK, and unless you read her version of Dumbledore, "YOU WILL BE LOST IN TRANSLATION",
That is why I believe most people miss Sir Richard Harris, because he embraced JK's version of Dumbledore, not a screen writer's interpentation. I could be wrong
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:37 AM EST
Squib
Points: 167
KingRadcliffe says:
That is a shame that he has not even read the book. It should be a great source of inspiration fort an actor to be able to read stories about his caracther. I respect Sir Gambon very much but I'm not sure he is the best actor for that role.
Dan's the best harry potter we could have!!!
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:38 AM EST
Magical Owl Rising
Points: 4669
Hoots says:
That's why he sucks as Dumbledore. I saw him in Sleepy Hollow (I didn't know he was in it, Mr. Dursley was too). He was the same, I knew who it was as soon as he started talking. Isn't acting being someone else. Whatever!!!!!!!!
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:39 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1033
puffle_princess says:
I can understand his point about people gettting upset when the films vary from the books sometimes quite significantly, and he is not to bad as Dumbledore but whenever I picture Dumbledore in my mind I always picture Richard Harris and I probably always will he was such a natural Dumbledore.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:39 AM EST
St. Mungo's little helper
Points: 2471
Manfred says:
I agree with king radcliffe... I liked the first DD better... he sort of "fitted the profile" much better than the second one...
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:40 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1194
sirius'doll says:
Hmmm...somehow I doubt that by not reading the books, you'll get depressed. As an actor I don't think THAT is in his best interest, however what IS, is to read the books and get a proper and far more deveolped feel for his character.
Sadly, in my opinion the man has never fitted the role of Dumbledore half as well as the late Richard Harris (may he rest in peace)....Now THERE was a proper Dumbledore portrayl (one, I might add who, DID read the books).
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:44 AM EST
Slytherin's Golden Locket
Points: 7863
Lady oF Shadows says:
Well before I watched POA, I was sorta upset cause I like, Sir Richard Harris, but after watching POA i liked Sir Micheal Gambon's acting and I say each has his own thing..
But may I add this as my opinion, I think the producer shouldnt have changed his clothes because what Gambon's wearing is like old purple rags !! but what Sir Richard wore were perfect as what DD would wear or how I imagine him !
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:50 AM EST
Squib
Points: 174
Nikki Potter says:
I really don't like this guy! First of all he does not fit the role of Dumbledore. And he's not even read the books!!?? And more over he says that he plays himself in the movie? Wat kind of actor is he? I really used to like richard Harris. But this guy really gets on my nerves.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:55 AM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 9051
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
It little strange. Kind of hard to read him. Richard Harris also was somewhat negative about the role and his part. The full article provides a better perspective and context. The samples here gave me a distorted view of his position.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 10:56 AM EST
Student
Points: 204
Diago says:
I dont like this guy I think he is only there for the money. The first DD was the best this one doesnt fit in the caracther. Imagine this guy in the movie OoP I cant imagine it. Its so frusrating
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:00 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 98
Romulus Lupin says:
wohooo Just watched the movie you guys
it rocked
ive posteed my review here
http://manoyjoe.blogspot.com/
warning its full of spoilers!!!!
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:14 AM EST
Student
Points: 226
katrina_ozu says:
Talk about ironical! Michael Gambon has no idea about what the real dumbuldore is like in the books?
I shouldnt be commenting on this, cause i myself havent read any of the books either but at least i am not actually playing a part in it now am i? If i were i would have made sure to atleast the book thouroughly before actually playing it!!
He should really read the books!!...........What do you say guys?
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:18 AM EST
Sorcerer's Apprentice
Points: 2571
WitchyMom says:
I think it's very sad that he hasn't read the books. He is really missing out. I think Richard Harris was a much better Dumbledore but unfortunately he is not longer with us and we will just have to get used to Michael Gambon.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:19 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 971
swimrcooch says:
It's a little upsetting to hear that he isn't really into these films as much as some of the other actors. And maybe he needs to stop playing himself in the role, because from the spoiler reviews i have read Dumbledore is not very Dumbledore like in this film
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:24 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1825
Veela_gurl says:
I fell in love with Richard Harris in the first two. Gambon was not my idea of Dumbledore. Unfortunately, I have no say, so I will appreciate what he brings to the role.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:35 AM EST
Squib
Points: 181
Squib1101 says:
I read the interview and was HORRIBLY disappointed! MY GOD! Hasn't read the books because he has the scripts? How's he going to get the feel of Dumbledore? Maybe that's why he comes across so cold. And did anyone else see where he said that the kid came up to him and asked if he was Gandalf and he told him to "Pi$$ off"? Yeah So this guy has a pretty substanial role in this FAMILY movie and some little kid mistakes him for a different actor, which I can understand with the long white beard and such, and he has that kind of reaction?!? SO NOT COOL! Before this interview I was ok with him, not great but now!! OH goodness I dislike him. GO READ THE BOOKS SIR GAMBON!!!!!! ok i'm done
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:37 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 46
Meer says:
Its nearly 18th ... yupppy .,... !!
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:48 AM EST
Squib
Points: 130
chaly768176 says:
What is wrong with this guy? He needs to read the books before he judges the story. I perfectly agree with SlytherinHeiress, this guy just doesn't fit my idea of Dumbledore. Of course I do think the character in the movie do look a bit off what they are described in the book but then they can't be exactly that be freaky. I do see the point of the scrip but that was a bit harsh the way he put his opinion. Disappointment I think I'll pretend I didn't read this so I can enjoy the movie on Saturday.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:50 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 71
mz_clare says:
I thought he hadn't read the books. he does not portray dumbledore the way i or anyone i know imagine him. the previous actor was much better and obviously a bit more dedicated assuming he actually read the books to research his character.
Posted Nov 16, 2005 at 11:56 AM EST
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