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NM (![[info]](http://www.journalfen.net/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} narcissam) wrote in ![[info]](http://www.journalfen.net/img/community.gif){kind=small} fandom_wank,@ 2006-06-07 14:46:00 |
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Michael Gambon, Sullier of Dumbledore's Honour
A mouse onwank_report alerted me to the fact that The True Fans Of Harry Potter (aka the posters at The Leaky Cauldron) are at it again.
TLC posted an interview with Michael Gambon, who plays Dumbledore in the HP movies. Excerpted was a quote from Gambon, which (with an astute knowledge of their audience) TLC labelled as "tongue-in-cheek."
Roonil Wazlib: I am not going to abuse that man for his so undumbledorish ways in the movies...
Although it´s hard to hold it back.
I bet this news will start the discussion anew.
Airen: Well if he doesn't understand what's going on... I guess he hasn't considered reading the books... or perhaps, perhaps he doesn't know the movies are based on books!! I mean, for an actor who thinks learning the lines are enough to form a character... it's not that farfetched... *sigh*
Oh well, I've already accepted that he's dumbledore and well... that's what we've got...
Sionwitch: Sorry, but I cant accept that he is Dumbledore, he is not, and will never be. The character he did in Gof was not Dumbledore. As a fan I would like the new director to make him act as the character. I don't care if he does not read the book or what he thinks of Harry Potter as long as he do what he is been paid for, which is act as the character of Dumbledore from the books, or at least try. I don't know is he has the capacity to do fraction of what Richard Harris did with the character, but in PoA he was a lot better than in GoF and if the new director hopes to make a good Ministry of Magic scene in the OotP movie, he will have to do a LOT of work to make this man appear as powerful as Voldemort. I really hope this next movie wont disappoint me as GoF did, and Gambon is the reason of that.
Roonil Wazlib: This is an extreme example but you always hear about those actors that play something like a waiter and are on screen for like 20 sec. and they´ve prepared for the role by working in a diner for 18 months and studied diner slang just to do the role justice.
I do not want a Dumbledore speaking diner lingo but thinking of it: That would be more like him than what Gambon makes him do.
starling: People, before you post, purlease read the other comments ... and the article!
"as he do what he is been paid for, which is act as the character of Dumbledore from the books, or at least try."
No, he gets paid for playing the Dumbledore in the script.
Andrew: So here's Michael Gambon officially saying "I don't give a **** about HP or about my character. I don't understand what's going on on set. I try to learn my lines but I still don't understand it, so I play myself"
Allright he didn't say that, but that's what it means to me. And I don't care if he's said it sarcastically. It still says something about his attitude towards his character.
Breana: So Gambon still wont read the books. It's his job to understand his character as much as possible yet he doesn't do it. You guys need to call up Chris or Jamie and tell to start sneaking copies all over the place like in Gambon's jacket, makeup room, etc...
Sionwitch: Thank God for everybody´s right to have a different opinion. I'm sorry for those of you that want so badly to defend the honor of the actors in the HP movies that you forgot about the honor of the characters in the books. I have nothing against Gambon and I do think he is very funny and don't take seriously his interviews, but I really would like to see a most close to canon Dumbledore in the movies, so kill me for that. Starling, of course you are right, I'm mistaken, the responsibility goes to the script writer or the director,etc. But is my opinion that a good actor should investigate his character a little bit more that just to memorize his script lines to get paid. I'm not saying he "has" to, only that in my opinion he "should". Of course if some of you are fine with a mediocre Dumbledore in the movies good for you.
doug: His reading or investigating's not required, sionwitch. Think that he should all you want, but it's not going to happen
sionwitch: Doug, thanks for pointing out the obvious. I already know that it isn't going to happen, because he doesn't give a **** about his character. That is very clear, but because something isn't going to change we don't have so sit around and be happy with that. Last time I checked thinking and expressing opinions was allowed, even though that does not change anything.
doug: sionwitch, how do you know that he doesn't care about his character? Last time I checked, he didn't say he didn't care about the character, so, it leads me to think that you are insinuating that he doesn't care, which wouldn't be a good thing, since you'd be wrong.
and
For the nth time, Gambon DID read the books!! Remember that he did, ok? He said he did on the Second DVD for PoA, how many times do you people have to say that he hasn't read the books to remember that you are wrong when you say that? Michael Gambon HAS read the books, even so, he doesn't have to take anything from them but the enjoyment that is brought to him by reading them..
Stephen Guinen: Gambon can't be bothered in reading the books and we have to pay because he may know the script but not the DD. If he read the books he would know why his acting could never come close to Harris even though Gambon called him a drunk.I'd rather have a drunk DD then what we are getting now. I really wouldn't mind having Gambon replaced even at this late date
Lara Craft: It doesn't matter weather he read it or not. I do think the 1st Dumbledore was the best. Yeah the new one is good and all. I still like the first one. It portrayed him so well.
Mysduende: I'm sorry guys, I don't really see this as 'tongue-in-cheek' and not sure why you're going to great lengths to cover it as such.
If Gambon spent half the time it took him to joke around and set up Fart gags while on set he actually might accomplish reading portions of the HP books and learning something more significant about the character he portrays as well as the universe the character is set in.
Let's not excuse an undermotivated actor that is being paid a lot for being nothing more than a parrot of Dumbledore's lines. Gambon is coasting along on the role and never quite curious enough to learn more despite the fact that he is now on his third film.
James: Gambon is much, much better than the half-asleep, AWFUL performances Richard Harris gave. He was just a joke. Gambon is a legend
and
By the way - Richard Harris never read the books, either. That's a FACT.
Bobby: There's a mistake in the article - when Gambon says he "doesn't know what's going on", he's talking about OTHER roles. Watch the interview again.
Gambon is the best Dumbledore, by the way. He's perfect. :)
elizabeth18: "His reading or investigating's not required, sionwitch. Think that he should all you want, but it's not going to happen. "
Not required in his contract, perhaps, but it should be something that you just do. When you are performing as one of the most beloved characters in some of the biggest movies this decade, you need to do research on your character and make sure you get it right. It does of course also come down to direction, clearly that is also how Newell interpreted Dumbledore. I do not think that this has anything to do with Kloves, however. Most of the lines that Gambon destroys are lines that could be said completely differently, ie "Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?"
By the way, I do think Gambon is perfectly capabale and would probably excel as a more canon Dumbledore. He's an excellent actor, and I loved him in PoA, just not in GoF.
Andrew: Stephen Guinen, did Gambon really call Richard Harris a drunk ?? When did he call him that ?
gilyweed: The reason he uses the "odd" accent in the HP films rather than his normal one is because he was following on from Richard Harris who used his Irish accent in the role, so Gambon carried on with that accent as tribute to Harris as well as to give some continuity to the role.
George: I don't know what on earth you people are talking about. He uses his own accent when he plays Dumbledore. The way he sounded in that interview is exactly how he sounds in the films.
lisa: NO, IM IRISH AND MICHEAL GAMBON DOES NOT SOUND LIKE THE NORMAL PERSON WITH AN IRISH ACCENT, BELIEVE ME,WE DONT SOUND LIKE THAT. ITS SUCH A WEIRD FALSE IRISH ACCENT HE USES AND HE DOESNT TALK LIKE THAT IN REAL LIFE, IVE SEEN HIM IN A FEW INTERVIEWS. RICHARD HARRIS IS A LEDGEBD AND WAS BRILLIANT AS DUMBLEDORE AND IN MY OPINION NOBODY WILL PLAY DUMBEDORE QUITE LIKE HIM, HE IS DUMBLEDORE AND ITS HIM I IMAGINE WHEN READING THE BOOKS....
doug: elizabeth18, he does NOT need to do it, nor should he do it, he has the right to choose which way he will portray a character, and no one has the right to question it. You understand that, don't you, elizabeth18?
olivia: God I wish they'd fire him and get anyone - ANYONE else. He hasn't even read the books! He has such a bad attitude about this whole thing. JK Rowling is alive and there for him to talk to and he can't even be bothered to research his role.
He *chokes* Harry
He *yells* at inappropriate times
The scene where Harry falls into his pensieve is a CRIME!
His portrayal of Dumbledore is completely offensive. I wish the filmmakers would realise they made a mistake and replace him already.
DOWN WITH NEW DUMBLEDORE!
starling: Siiiiiiiiiigh, why do articles about Gambon always end up in a slanging match? Same with ones about Rupert. Did I mention siiiiiiiiigh?
I am sorely tempted to go capslock in the "read the other *deleted expletive* comments" department, but I'm restraining myself.
Olivia said: " He hasn't even read the books!"
Gnnngngnggngngngng!
See? I restrained myself.
Melissa Anelli: Not that I ever for a minute suspected otherwise but WHOOOOSH you guys know how to get a fire going!
I'm glad to see Sir Gambon having such fun. It's nice. :)
Ellen: I can believe that Sir Gambon has not read the books, it shows. He also hasn't been quite who I thought Dumbledore is. I liked Richard Harris's portrayal but we can't expect another actor to copy so I accept the performance. I do wish that he would either listen to the books or read them so that he doesn't look so much like he wandered on to the set.
Doug: Ellen, are you absolutely sure Gambon hasn't read the books? If you are, where's your proof that he hasn't?
and
Also, no actor is required to or should read the books if they don't want to.. we, as fans, have no right to place that stipulation on Gambon, he will do what he will do, and we have absolutely no right to question it. I don't have to worry because I accept him with no reservation.
hhhhh: doug : um ..u do take that way too personally ... yeah .. he can do it whatever the way he wanna do it ... but we also can like it or dislike it ... & if he wanna succeed doing his job .. he should care whether we like it or not .. so , u c, it's all connected after all ...
doug: You think he cares? I don't think it matters, since he'll do what he wants, no one has the right to tell him what to do, he'll do what he wants and if you can't accept that, then tough.
and
also, I don't care if you think I take it too personally, frankly, it is my right to do so.
Ciaran: This man is incredible. I actually can't believe him. Not only does he ignore the criticism he received after his portrayal of Dumbledore in "Goblet of Fire", he acts like he doesn't even care about the role as well as the books and movies. As one of the cast members said, he thinks of it as *just* a job. That man is a disgrace.
hhhhh: ok ... but it's our right too to say what he's doing .. after all , we'r the ones who r supposed to benefit form his job ... (u c every job has its beneficial) ... & by the way, u'r not exactly defending him that way ... coz what u'r saying is that he can do whatever he likes & let us all (the audience) go to hell ... & I'm sure he's not that stupid to think that way ... coz u know what happens generally to actors/actresses who think that way .. they'r the ones who usually ends up in that hell ...
God, it's like u'r saying we have no right to criticize him, probably u think we can't criticize any actors/actresses at all .. or any piece of art .. or may be anything in the world !!1 .... or is it only Mr. Gambon that u think he's above criticism ...
cat: hmph. Well I dont know if he realizes how many HP fans he will rile up now, kidding or not. *shrug* Im not going to spiel about Gambon, I have come to terms with the fact that he is playing DD.
Grub: Jiminy Christmas, you people need to calm the heck down! Watch the interview - he was being completely sarcastic(as he usually is.) Although Richard Harris was quite the drinker(just like Gambon said,) no mistake about that. Him and Peter O' Toole were -big time- drinking buddies.
Michael is quite funny and totally capable at being DD. I'm waiting to see how OotP makes him out to be.
ginevra: I propose Gambon be replaced by Michael Caine, who can do anything, or Peter O'Toole, who is a GOD. Who's with me???
Bat Boogey Hexer: Yikes!!! What a mess!!! I have to agree with those that have issues with Mr. Gambon playing Dumbledore. He just does not eminate that serene strenght that Richard Harris was able to give to this very rich character. My Albus would never hurdle towards students in such a befuddled manner, tie his beautiful, long, wizard's beard in half, nor have dirty finger nails!!!! Sorry!!! That is just so not Dumbledore!!! While I understand that Mr. Gambon is not Mr.Harris he still should feel a responsability to portray this character with the great dignity and nobility that Jo has given him. If he continues to be Dumbledore he really should do himself a favor and just not discuss Dumbledore since I think most people have figured out he doesn't really know what is going on.......In the words of Argus Filch: "Oh dear, we are in trouble".........
Phoenixrising: OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT!!!!
Peter O'Toole YES. Just about any other tall graceful actor YES. Sorry Michael, nothing personal, but you're ruining it for us!!!
(Maybe he'll be better in the next film?? *Grits teeth, feels anxious*.)
Can't we do something? They're never going to re-make the HP movies. This is it! Shall we kidnap him?? I know it's illegal but one person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter!! IT'S FOR THE GREATER GOOD!!! Let's kryogenically (spelling???)freeze him until they've finished the films....
GET OFF MY SCREEN GAMBUM!!!
and
I do wish to emphasise that although I feel rather passionately about it, I don't usually spread hate. I'm sure he's a very nice man.
Still.....OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
then
I feel bad now. Peace and love Sir Michael.
Roonil "Dobbins-the-nag" Wazlib: Let it out, Phoenix, don´t swallow it, you have to let loose and don´t choke back your feelings. We´re all listening, we understand you.
Phoenixrising: think I'm OK now. Thanks guys. Wow. What wonderful catharsis. Can we write him a nice letter simply suggesting that he read the books and gets the characterisation right so that the plot of all 7 Harry Potter books, which revolves almost entirely around what an incredible man Dumbledore is, makes sense? Can we point out that the grace and wisdom of Dumbledore is the lynch-pin of Harry Potter and without it Harry would react differently and the plot would be something else? Can we allude to the fact the film 6 will become irrelevant, and undoubtably, film 7 will have no grounds for a story? I think he's a lovely man, I just don't think he realises how big this is. OK. I'm calm. There's worse things in the world...
Oddment, tweak, nitwit, etc
Bez: Perhaps we are being too hard on Gambon but why would he thing it funny to hit a young boys broken leg? The worst thing was roughing up poor Harry. Perhaps it is hard to show Dumbledore's deep concern on screen, but surely he needed to stay calm to look into Harry's eyes and see he wasn't lying about putting his name in the GOF.
Anyway I don't think I will every recover from seeing Harry so badly treated by the person he trusts so much.
Dana: I am sure this has been brought up before....however, I still have to wonder why, with all the control she does have over the movies, JKR has allowed Dumbledore to be portrayed in this fashion. It certainly diminishes the character in my opinion and it is hard not to "leak" that feeling over into the books.
Sionwitch: Phoenix Rising, you just made laugh so hard!! and in the same time you give us such good ideas..(kidnap him, freeze him ) keep them coming.. as for write him a letter or sending him books as some people are saying at MuggleNet, I say, save your money, because this guy is not gonna read anything we send to him, because he simply doesn't care. Maybe if we write to the new director nor the producer about how important is to keep the character in the movies as close as possible as canon... I think we could have a better chance of being listen.
Alley-cat: Phoenix Rising - although you are perfectly entitled to your opinion I have to say I think it's in slightly poor taste, given what's going on in Iraq and some other places at the moment, to suggest kidnapping anybody - even just as a joke.
You never know when these things will come back to haunt you....
Phoenixrising: Sigh. They'd never re-cast because surely he's contracted for all of the films, being such a main character and all.
Oh dear. Suddenly I can see myself outside of Leavesdon studios with a sandwich board protesting.
But hey. We're all here because the books are beautiful. No actor could capture Jo's (or our own personal) Dumbledore entirely. Go literature!
and
Hey Alley-cat, no offence and all. Kidnapping isn't exclusive to iraq or today, it goes back centuries and is horrific, but as a joke I don't think it's insensitive! My Mother once helped kidnap Brian Blessed (English actor) with a group of women to raise money for charity. He was a good sport and they looked after him (he knew about it and went along with it. That's why I thought of it, and was in no way serious. And I don't have a net to catch him in anyway. Plus my balaclava is in the laundry.
phoenix girl: doug- i think that most of these posts are from slightly bottled up feelings on Dumbledore being played by Gambon. You are taking this WAY TO SERIOUSLY and i think that you are trying to rile people up for the fun of it. We are all intitled to our own opinion, no matter what others think.
That's what makes America great!
So don't start trying to impose your opinion on others. We all can have seperate opinions and all of that. ( you were really getting on my nervs)
I happen to think that Gambon isn't the right person for DD and that Harris was actually perfect for playing Dumbledore but that's my OPINION. I also think that Gambon may not have read the books. That's OPINION not FACT!!!! they are two diffrent things!!!!
ok calm down. there are worse things happening then a BAD DD. take a deep breath. WHEW these things can make you angry!!!
comhairle: This has entertained me for the last 10 mins in work! People should learn to read what other people say before they post... its hardly helpful to give one line "get rid of Gambon" wtf!? come on, surely we can do better than that! Btw, I reckon if gambon saw this he would laugh his head off! If I met him I would tell him to start making comments worse than what he said like, you know "oh I hate harry potter" or something like that. I would love to see the threads then!
el cazador: MG should really make awful comments about HP and his acting in it, so when movie six comes, people will be thrilled to see him die. Smart marketing. :)
Hey, that works. I went to see a movie once that I didn't care about in the least, just because someone told me Steven Seagal died in it.
doug: el cazador, why did you say this? Do you really enjoy a cruel life? My liking Gambon notwithstanding, any decent and MATURE adult human being would see this post, and be on you like stink on a gorilla, It's surprising that Melissa and the other Leaky staff hasn't revoked your right to comment. You are cruel at heart, and I don't even know you. I can see that you are just by that comment.
Anna: doug, some people like him as DD, some people don't. I think you have to accept that some people don't like his portrayal of DD. Neither party is necessarily 'wrong'. Threads are here partly to hear different people's opinions. It's not fair to say they're wrong.
Cyrus Larsen: I think that dumbledor is not dead because in the fourth book when Mad Eye Moody killed the spider he just died. When dumbledor died he floghted up in the air. Then in the fith book Sirius's cuosin said to Harry that Avada Kadavra dose not work unless you mean it. So I think Snape did not mean it and it was only killing him and then the phenx was singing and I think she was casting a spell so that he would be reborn by his ashes like a penex.
Tara: Well, Gambon hasn't read the books, so...
doug: Um, Anna, I was making a comment on El cazador's use of wanting people to be "thrilled" at Gambon's Dumbledore's death, THAT is wrong to want that, even you, Anna, can see that. You understand that, don't you? It's immature to say "we should be thrilled because Dumbledore dies in HBP" even though he does die, in no way is it something to be happy about.
and
Tara, he has read the books, you are wrong there, sorry, but it's fact that he has read the books
El Caz: "You are cruel at heart, and I don't even know you. I can see that you are just by that comment."
Excuse me?
You are either trying to provoke an argument or taking things way too seriously. It's not like I'm talking about real people here.
The most I can do to let on that I'm kidding besides flat out saying I'm kidding is add a smiley at the end of a sentence, which I did. You're taking a simple comment and blowing it way out of proportion.
phoenixgirl: doug- Anna was trying to make the same point I did earlier which is every one is intitled to our own opinions. We understand that some opinions make you mad but you can't go around forcing others to agree with you because they won't all do that.
My view of Michal Gambon as Dumbledore is very diffrent from yours but do I go around telling people ( you? ) that they are wrong and that I am right?? NO!!!! I would never do that!!
So doug, please listen to us and lay it off of the people who don't agree with you. Its their right.
And on it goes.
ETA: Doug: phoenixgirl, so you condone people wanting to cheer or be thrilled at death? is that what you want?? If that's it, then sorry, I am not going to bow down to it.. you have failed in trying to reason with me.
and
El Caz, you have failed miserably in your attempt in trying to make it seem like you were kidding, it's generally thought of as bad taste and I am not going to apologize for my criticism for what I said to you. I stand by it. If you wanted to joke, it's imperative that you say that you were joking.
A mouse on
wank_report alerted me to the fact that The True Fans Of Harry Potter (aka the posters at The Leaky Cauldron) are at it again.TLC posted an interview with Michael Gambon, who plays Dumbledore in the HP movies. Excerpted was a quote from Gambon, which (with an astute knowledge of their audience) TLC labelled as "tongue-in-cheek."
JC: "Do you understand the first thing that's been said in Harry Potter?"Outrage! Outrage!. Lots of people here are wanky, the defenders and the attackers of Gambon.
MG: "Well, I read the script and learn the lines and I try to understand. I have to understand it, don't I, sort of . . . Quite often I don't know what's going on."
Roonil Wazlib: I am not going to abuse that man for his so undumbledorish ways in the movies...
Although it´s hard to hold it back.
I bet this news will start the discussion anew.
Airen: Well if he doesn't understand what's going on... I guess he hasn't considered reading the books... or perhaps, perhaps he doesn't know the movies are based on books!! I mean, for an actor who thinks learning the lines are enough to form a character... it's not that farfetched... *sigh*
Oh well, I've already accepted that he's dumbledore and well... that's what we've got...
Sionwitch: Sorry, but I cant accept that he is Dumbledore, he is not, and will never be. The character he did in Gof was not Dumbledore. As a fan I would like the new director to make him act as the character. I don't care if he does not read the book or what he thinks of Harry Potter as long as he do what he is been paid for, which is act as the character of Dumbledore from the books, or at least try. I don't know is he has the capacity to do fraction of what Richard Harris did with the character, but in PoA he was a lot better than in GoF and if the new director hopes to make a good Ministry of Magic scene in the OotP movie, he will have to do a LOT of work to make this man appear as powerful as Voldemort. I really hope this next movie wont disappoint me as GoF did, and Gambon is the reason of that.
Roonil Wazlib: This is an extreme example but you always hear about those actors that play something like a waiter and are on screen for like 20 sec. and they´ve prepared for the role by working in a diner for 18 months and studied diner slang just to do the role justice.
I do not want a Dumbledore speaking diner lingo but thinking of it: That would be more like him than what Gambon makes him do.
starling: People, before you post, purlease read the other comments ... and the article!
"as he do what he is been paid for, which is act as the character of Dumbledore from the books, or at least try."
No, he gets paid for playing the Dumbledore in the script.
Andrew: So here's Michael Gambon officially saying "I don't give a **** about HP or about my character. I don't understand what's going on on set. I try to learn my lines but I still don't understand it, so I play myself"
Allright he didn't say that, but that's what it means to me. And I don't care if he's said it sarcastically. It still says something about his attitude towards his character.
Breana: So Gambon still wont read the books. It's his job to understand his character as much as possible yet he doesn't do it. You guys need to call up Chris or Jamie and tell to start sneaking copies all over the place like in Gambon's jacket, makeup room, etc...
Sionwitch: Thank God for everybody´s right to have a different opinion. I'm sorry for those of you that want so badly to defend the honor of the actors in the HP movies that you forgot about the honor of the characters in the books. I have nothing against Gambon and I do think he is very funny and don't take seriously his interviews, but I really would like to see a most close to canon Dumbledore in the movies, so kill me for that. Starling, of course you are right, I'm mistaken, the responsibility goes to the script writer or the director,etc. But is my opinion that a good actor should investigate his character a little bit more that just to memorize his script lines to get paid. I'm not saying he "has" to, only that in my opinion he "should". Of course if some of you are fine with a mediocre Dumbledore in the movies good for you.
doug: His reading or investigating's not required, sionwitch. Think that he should all you want, but it's not going to happen
sionwitch: Doug, thanks for pointing out the obvious. I already know that it isn't going to happen, because he doesn't give a **** about his character. That is very clear, but because something isn't going to change we don't have so sit around and be happy with that. Last time I checked thinking and expressing opinions was allowed, even though that does not change anything.
doug: sionwitch, how do you know that he doesn't care about his character? Last time I checked, he didn't say he didn't care about the character, so, it leads me to think that you are insinuating that he doesn't care, which wouldn't be a good thing, since you'd be wrong.
and
For the nth time, Gambon DID read the books!! Remember that he did, ok? He said he did on the Second DVD for PoA, how many times do you people have to say that he hasn't read the books to remember that you are wrong when you say that? Michael Gambon HAS read the books, even so, he doesn't have to take anything from them but the enjoyment that is brought to him by reading them..
Stephen Guinen: Gambon can't be bothered in reading the books and we have to pay because he may know the script but not the DD. If he read the books he would know why his acting could never come close to Harris even though Gambon called him a drunk.I'd rather have a drunk DD then what we are getting now. I really wouldn't mind having Gambon replaced even at this late date
Lara Craft: It doesn't matter weather he read it or not. I do think the 1st Dumbledore was the best. Yeah the new one is good and all. I still like the first one. It portrayed him so well.
Mysduende: I'm sorry guys, I don't really see this as 'tongue-in-cheek' and not sure why you're going to great lengths to cover it as such.
If Gambon spent half the time it took him to joke around and set up Fart gags while on set he actually might accomplish reading portions of the HP books and learning something more significant about the character he portrays as well as the universe the character is set in.
Let's not excuse an undermotivated actor that is being paid a lot for being nothing more than a parrot of Dumbledore's lines. Gambon is coasting along on the role and never quite curious enough to learn more despite the fact that he is now on his third film.
James: Gambon is much, much better than the half-asleep, AWFUL performances Richard Harris gave. He was just a joke. Gambon is a legend
and
By the way - Richard Harris never read the books, either. That's a FACT.
Bobby: There's a mistake in the article - when Gambon says he "doesn't know what's going on", he's talking about OTHER roles. Watch the interview again.
Gambon is the best Dumbledore, by the way. He's perfect. :)
elizabeth18: "His reading or investigating's not required, sionwitch. Think that he should all you want, but it's not going to happen. "
Not required in his contract, perhaps, but it should be something that you just do. When you are performing as one of the most beloved characters in some of the biggest movies this decade, you need to do research on your character and make sure you get it right. It does of course also come down to direction, clearly that is also how Newell interpreted Dumbledore. I do not think that this has anything to do with Kloves, however. Most of the lines that Gambon destroys are lines that could be said completely differently, ie "Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?"
By the way, I do think Gambon is perfectly capabale and would probably excel as a more canon Dumbledore. He's an excellent actor, and I loved him in PoA, just not in GoF.
Andrew: Stephen Guinen, did Gambon really call Richard Harris a drunk ?? When did he call him that ?
gilyweed: The reason he uses the "odd" accent in the HP films rather than his normal one is because he was following on from Richard Harris who used his Irish accent in the role, so Gambon carried on with that accent as tribute to Harris as well as to give some continuity to the role.
George: I don't know what on earth you people are talking about. He uses his own accent when he plays Dumbledore. The way he sounded in that interview is exactly how he sounds in the films.
lisa: NO, IM IRISH AND MICHEAL GAMBON DOES NOT SOUND LIKE THE NORMAL PERSON WITH AN IRISH ACCENT, BELIEVE ME,WE DONT SOUND LIKE THAT. ITS SUCH A WEIRD FALSE IRISH ACCENT HE USES AND HE DOESNT TALK LIKE THAT IN REAL LIFE, IVE SEEN HIM IN A FEW INTERVIEWS. RICHARD HARRIS IS A LEDGEBD AND WAS BRILLIANT AS DUMBLEDORE AND IN MY OPINION NOBODY WILL PLAY DUMBEDORE QUITE LIKE HIM, HE IS DUMBLEDORE AND ITS HIM I IMAGINE WHEN READING THE BOOKS....
doug: elizabeth18, he does NOT need to do it, nor should he do it, he has the right to choose which way he will portray a character, and no one has the right to question it. You understand that, don't you, elizabeth18?
olivia: God I wish they'd fire him and get anyone - ANYONE else. He hasn't even read the books! He has such a bad attitude about this whole thing. JK Rowling is alive and there for him to talk to and he can't even be bothered to research his role.
He *chokes* Harry
He *yells* at inappropriate times
The scene where Harry falls into his pensieve is a CRIME!
His portrayal of Dumbledore is completely offensive. I wish the filmmakers would realise they made a mistake and replace him already.
DOWN WITH NEW DUMBLEDORE!
starling: Siiiiiiiiiigh, why do articles about Gambon always end up in a slanging match? Same with ones about Rupert. Did I mention siiiiiiiiigh?
I am sorely tempted to go capslock in the "read the other *deleted expletive* comments" department, but I'm restraining myself.
Olivia said: " He hasn't even read the books!"
Gnnngngnggngngngng!
See? I restrained myself.
Melissa Anelli: Not that I ever for a minute suspected otherwise but WHOOOOSH you guys know how to get a fire going!
I'm glad to see Sir Gambon having such fun. It's nice. :)
Ellen: I can believe that Sir Gambon has not read the books, it shows. He also hasn't been quite who I thought Dumbledore is. I liked Richard Harris's portrayal but we can't expect another actor to copy so I accept the performance. I do wish that he would either listen to the books or read them so that he doesn't look so much like he wandered on to the set.
Doug: Ellen, are you absolutely sure Gambon hasn't read the books? If you are, where's your proof that he hasn't?
and
Also, no actor is required to or should read the books if they don't want to.. we, as fans, have no right to place that stipulation on Gambon, he will do what he will do, and we have absolutely no right to question it. I don't have to worry because I accept him with no reservation.
hhhhh: doug : um ..u do take that way too personally ... yeah .. he can do it whatever the way he wanna do it ... but we also can like it or dislike it ... & if he wanna succeed doing his job .. he should care whether we like it or not .. so , u c, it's all connected after all ...
doug: You think he cares? I don't think it matters, since he'll do what he wants, no one has the right to tell him what to do, he'll do what he wants and if you can't accept that, then tough.
and
also, I don't care if you think I take it too personally, frankly, it is my right to do so.
Ciaran: This man is incredible. I actually can't believe him. Not only does he ignore the criticism he received after his portrayal of Dumbledore in "Goblet of Fire", he acts like he doesn't even care about the role as well as the books and movies. As one of the cast members said, he thinks of it as *just* a job. That man is a disgrace.
hhhhh: ok ... but it's our right too to say what he's doing .. after all , we'r the ones who r supposed to benefit form his job ... (u c every job has its beneficial) ... & by the way, u'r not exactly defending him that way ... coz what u'r saying is that he can do whatever he likes & let us all (the audience) go to hell ... & I'm sure he's not that stupid to think that way ... coz u know what happens generally to actors/actresses who think that way .. they'r the ones who usually ends up in that hell ...
God, it's like u'r saying we have no right to criticize him, probably u think we can't criticize any actors/actresses at all .. or any piece of art .. or may be anything in the world !!1 .... or is it only Mr. Gambon that u think he's above criticism ...
cat: hmph. Well I dont know if he realizes how many HP fans he will rile up now, kidding or not. *shrug* Im not going to spiel about Gambon, I have come to terms with the fact that he is playing DD.
Grub: Jiminy Christmas, you people need to calm the heck down! Watch the interview - he was being completely sarcastic(as he usually is.) Although Richard Harris was quite the drinker(just like Gambon said,) no mistake about that. Him and Peter O' Toole were -big time- drinking buddies.
Michael is quite funny and totally capable at being DD. I'm waiting to see how OotP makes him out to be.
ginevra: I propose Gambon be replaced by Michael Caine, who can do anything, or Peter O'Toole, who is a GOD. Who's with me???
Bat Boogey Hexer: Yikes!!! What a mess!!! I have to agree with those that have issues with Mr. Gambon playing Dumbledore. He just does not eminate that serene strenght that Richard Harris was able to give to this very rich character. My Albus would never hurdle towards students in such a befuddled manner, tie his beautiful, long, wizard's beard in half, nor have dirty finger nails!!!! Sorry!!! That is just so not Dumbledore!!! While I understand that Mr. Gambon is not Mr.Harris he still should feel a responsability to portray this character with the great dignity and nobility that Jo has given him. If he continues to be Dumbledore he really should do himself a favor and just not discuss Dumbledore since I think most people have figured out he doesn't really know what is going on.......In the words of Argus Filch: "Oh dear, we are in trouble".........
Phoenixrising: OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT!!!!
Peter O'Toole YES. Just about any other tall graceful actor YES. Sorry Michael, nothing personal, but you're ruining it for us!!!
(Maybe he'll be better in the next film?? *Grits teeth, feels anxious*.)
Can't we do something? They're never going to re-make the HP movies. This is it! Shall we kidnap him?? I know it's illegal but one person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter!! IT'S FOR THE GREATER GOOD!!! Let's kryogenically (spelling???)freeze him until they've finished the films....
GET OFF MY SCREEN GAMBUM!!!
and
I do wish to emphasise that although I feel rather passionately about it, I don't usually spread hate. I'm sure he's a very nice man.
Still.....OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
then
I feel bad now. Peace and love Sir Michael.
Roonil "Dobbins-the-nag" Wazlib: Let it out, Phoenix, don´t swallow it, you have to let loose and don´t choke back your feelings. We´re all listening, we understand you.
Phoenixrising: think I'm OK now. Thanks guys. Wow. What wonderful catharsis. Can we write him a nice letter simply suggesting that he read the books and gets the characterisation right so that the plot of all 7 Harry Potter books, which revolves almost entirely around what an incredible man Dumbledore is, makes sense? Can we point out that the grace and wisdom of Dumbledore is the lynch-pin of Harry Potter and without it Harry would react differently and the plot would be something else? Can we allude to the fact the film 6 will become irrelevant, and undoubtably, film 7 will have no grounds for a story? I think he's a lovely man, I just don't think he realises how big this is. OK. I'm calm. There's worse things in the world...
Oddment, tweak, nitwit, etc
Bez: Perhaps we are being too hard on Gambon but why would he thing it funny to hit a young boys broken leg? The worst thing was roughing up poor Harry. Perhaps it is hard to show Dumbledore's deep concern on screen, but surely he needed to stay calm to look into Harry's eyes and see he wasn't lying about putting his name in the GOF.
Anyway I don't think I will every recover from seeing Harry so badly treated by the person he trusts so much.
Dana: I am sure this has been brought up before....however, I still have to wonder why, with all the control she does have over the movies, JKR has allowed Dumbledore to be portrayed in this fashion. It certainly diminishes the character in my opinion and it is hard not to "leak" that feeling over into the books.
Sionwitch: Phoenix Rising, you just made laugh so hard!! and in the same time you give us such good ideas..(kidnap him, freeze him ) keep them coming.. as for write him a letter or sending him books as some people are saying at MuggleNet, I say, save your money, because this guy is not gonna read anything we send to him, because he simply doesn't care. Maybe if we write to the new director nor the producer about how important is to keep the character in the movies as close as possible as canon... I think we could have a better chance of being listen.
Alley-cat: Phoenix Rising - although you are perfectly entitled to your opinion I have to say I think it's in slightly poor taste, given what's going on in Iraq and some other places at the moment, to suggest kidnapping anybody - even just as a joke.
You never know when these things will come back to haunt you....
Phoenixrising: Sigh. They'd never re-cast because surely he's contracted for all of the films, being such a main character and all.
Oh dear. Suddenly I can see myself outside of Leavesdon studios with a sandwich board protesting.
But hey. We're all here because the books are beautiful. No actor could capture Jo's (or our own personal) Dumbledore entirely. Go literature!
and
Hey Alley-cat, no offence and all. Kidnapping isn't exclusive to iraq or today, it goes back centuries and is horrific, but as a joke I don't think it's insensitive! My Mother once helped kidnap Brian Blessed (English actor) with a group of women to raise money for charity. He was a good sport and they looked after him (he knew about it and went along with it. That's why I thought of it, and was in no way serious. And I don't have a net to catch him in anyway. Plus my balaclava is in the laundry.
phoenix girl: doug- i think that most of these posts are from slightly bottled up feelings on Dumbledore being played by Gambon. You are taking this WAY TO SERIOUSLY and i think that you are trying to rile people up for the fun of it. We are all intitled to our own opinion, no matter what others think.
That's what makes America great!
So don't start trying to impose your opinion on others. We all can have seperate opinions and all of that. ( you were really getting on my nervs)
I happen to think that Gambon isn't the right person for DD and that Harris was actually perfect for playing Dumbledore but that's my OPINION. I also think that Gambon may not have read the books. That's OPINION not FACT!!!! they are two diffrent things!!!!
ok calm down. there are worse things happening then a BAD DD. take a deep breath. WHEW these things can make you angry!!!
comhairle: This has entertained me for the last 10 mins in work! People should learn to read what other people say before they post... its hardly helpful to give one line "get rid of Gambon" wtf!? come on, surely we can do better than that! Btw, I reckon if gambon saw this he would laugh his head off! If I met him I would tell him to start making comments worse than what he said like, you know "oh I hate harry potter" or something like that. I would love to see the threads then!
el cazador: MG should really make awful comments about HP and his acting in it, so when movie six comes, people will be thrilled to see him die. Smart marketing. :)
Hey, that works. I went to see a movie once that I didn't care about in the least, just because someone told me Steven Seagal died in it.
doug: el cazador, why did you say this? Do you really enjoy a cruel life? My liking Gambon notwithstanding, any decent and MATURE adult human being would see this post, and be on you like stink on a gorilla, It's surprising that Melissa and the other Leaky staff hasn't revoked your right to comment. You are cruel at heart, and I don't even know you. I can see that you are just by that comment.
Anna: doug, some people like him as DD, some people don't. I think you have to accept that some people don't like his portrayal of DD. Neither party is necessarily 'wrong'. Threads are here partly to hear different people's opinions. It's not fair to say they're wrong.
Cyrus Larsen: I think that dumbledor is not dead because in the fourth book when Mad Eye Moody killed the spider he just died. When dumbledor died he floghted up in the air. Then in the fith book Sirius's cuosin said to Harry that Avada Kadavra dose not work unless you mean it. So I think Snape did not mean it and it was only killing him and then the phenx was singing and I think she was casting a spell so that he would be reborn by his ashes like a penex.
Tara: Well, Gambon hasn't read the books, so...
doug: Um, Anna, I was making a comment on El cazador's use of wanting people to be "thrilled" at Gambon's Dumbledore's death, THAT is wrong to want that, even you, Anna, can see that. You understand that, don't you? It's immature to say "we should be thrilled because Dumbledore dies in HBP" even though he does die, in no way is it something to be happy about.
and
Tara, he has read the books, you are wrong there, sorry, but it's fact that he has read the books
El Caz: "You are cruel at heart, and I don't even know you. I can see that you are just by that comment."
Excuse me?
You are either trying to provoke an argument or taking things way too seriously. It's not like I'm talking about real people here.
The most I can do to let on that I'm kidding besides flat out saying I'm kidding is add a smiley at the end of a sentence, which I did. You're taking a simple comment and blowing it way out of proportion.
phoenixgirl: doug- Anna was trying to make the same point I did earlier which is every one is intitled to our own opinions. We understand that some opinions make you mad but you can't go around forcing others to agree with you because they won't all do that.
My view of Michal Gambon as Dumbledore is very diffrent from yours but do I go around telling people ( you? ) that they are wrong and that I am right?? NO!!!! I would never do that!!
So doug, please listen to us and lay it off of the people who don't agree with you. Its their right.
And on it goes.
ETA: Doug: phoenixgirl, so you condone people wanting to cheer or be thrilled at death? is that what you want?? If that's it, then sorry, I am not going to bow down to it.. you have failed in trying to reason with me.
and
El Caz, you have failed miserably in your attempt in trying to make it seem like you were kidding, it's generally thought of as bad taste and I am not going to apologize for my criticism for what I said to you. I stand by it. If you wanted to joke, it's imperative that you say that you were joking.
