Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (SPOILERS)

[BarTopDancer]

I loved Harris as Dumbledore. I like Gambon plays Dumbledore. It is very hard to say how I would feel had Harris not died or had Gambon be Dumbledore from the start. Is my preference based upon what was first? What I became attached to? Or better portrayal.

[innerSpaceman]

With the entire character-arc of Dumbledore now revealed, I think he's closer to Gambon than Harris ... but, on the page, remains distinctively his own ... and not, imo, fully and properly captured by either actor.


I just think Gambon's portrayal is closer ... and that's simply my personal preference. (though I'm undoubtedly going to picture him with a shopping cart in future outtings.)

[Brigitte]

I didn't like Gambon's performance in the PoA. He came across a bit too dotty and eccentric for me. The outburst in GoF was way out of character, too. I think he's just not as personable as Harris.

[wendybeth]

That's just it- Dumbledore was dotty and eccentric. He was wise, but not omnipotent, and he had some very human failings. Again, I prefer the Harris model, but in truth Gambon's is more true to the book.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I loved Harris' Dumbledore. I despise the new guy, who just doesn't have the poise and command that Harris did. New guy just seems to be floating along, controlling very little, hoping nobody challenges him for leadership because he can't stand up to it.

[xharryb]

I think most of the problem with "who's the better Dumbledore?" is simply the fact that we have two very different actors to compare. Had one person played the role for all 7 films, I don't think there would be nearly as much questioning of how the character is being portrayed.

Which is why I kinda think it was a little short sighted of the powers that be to cast Harris in the first place. He was already so old and, worse yet, not aging terribly well. Did they really expect him to live through a full decade or so it would take to film the entire franchise?

That being said though, I think part of the appeal and the reason so many prefer Harris' portrayal actual has more to do with the actors' natural presence than the acting. Harris could stand there on screen, not saying a word yet giving off a very regal, watchable, likable it factor. Gambon is a fine actor, but doesn't have the same regal presence that made Harris so instantly appealing.

[Brigitte]

Eccentric, sure. I don't see Dumbledore as remotely dotty in the books. He has a good grasp on what is going on around him in the books. Maybe he's just not as visible in the movies, so you don't get the feel for him that comes through in the writing.

[innerSpaceman]

+1 all that ^.

[innerSpaceman]

Yes, read Deathly Hallows. Dumbledore is taken down a peg or two.


Not quite to raving homeless man, though.

[Brigitte]

The one scene I got the dotty feeling from was when they return after the time turner section. It's more of an eccentricity maybe. He does have a different way of coming across than Harris did. Different actors, different perceptions. He is growing on me though!