New Dumbledore

Isn't it funny that the man I always envision as King Arthur (Camelot) ended his career playing a very Merlin-like character? Michael Gambon is just not enough of a presence to adequately portray Dumbledore. He's always played the crazy guy. Right? (The Madness of King George, Dancing at Lughnasa) While Richard Harris is in the IFC's top 10 greatest actors of all time. No comparison. I could've seen Ian McCellan(SP?) playing Dumbledore before Gambon. I doubt he would've done it though. Not after Gandolf.

Fenrirbound, that is exactly what I wanted to say but you put in better.

That is so true and is why he makes Dumbledore seem crazy. That's his style of acting but like I said, it doesn't fit the Dumbledore in the books. I think one of the main reasons I didn't like the POA and GOF movies is because of Michael Gambon. Dumbledore's presence throughout the books is a large part of what makes them so good. Richard Harris captured this perfectly but Michael Gambon's style contradicts what Dumbledore represents.

Thanks Becca. But what do you think of Dumbledore being played by Ian McKellen?

Yeah, definately better than Gambon. Like you said he's the crazy guy. Only thing with Ian Mckellen is he's stuck in my head as Gandolf. If he hadn't have done that then I can see it. Can't beat Richard Harris though can ya?

I just had a great idea. What if you put a beard and long, gray hair on Peter O'Toole? That would almost be like an homage to the memory of Richard Harris.

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Yes! Peter O'Toole. Man of LaMancha, Lawrence of Arabia? He's a terrific actor, all old and wizened. I think he's still alive. Richard Harris' best friend? You must know him.

I've heard the name but I can't picture him. What else has he been in?

no he was not gandalf that was Ian McKellen

this new dumbledore is okay i like the old one better thought

I really like Michael Gambon as Dumbledore.
I would never fully choose between Michael Gambon and Richard Harris as to which is the best Dumbledore because I don't think it's fair. Both actors have their good points in the role anyway and I feel that most of the bad points of Michael that other people point out, aren't entirely his fault anyway - and maybe even not his fault at all.
For example, the "shouting" in G.O.F - I would assume that was written as such in the script anyway, and even if it wasn't, then it was down to the director to tell Michael to be more calm in the scene. Or even up to the editor and/or director to use the calm scene when the film is finally being put together.

I also think the robes are a problem.
Richard Harris had a lovely rich, warm red that helped make him seem like a warm person and made him stand out.
With Michael's robes, he blends in too easily with the background and it's always made me think that the actor himself would feel cold in those robes! *lol*