The Times Online has a new interview with Michael Gambon who gives a series of answers about his lengthy acting career, as well as some thoughts on the Harry Potter films. The award winning actor who portrays Hogwarts Headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore says he does not watch too many of the films he is in. Quotage:
MG I just hate the idea of being well known. I know that is almost impossible if you’re an actor who has done okay, but I’ve always fought against it.
DW So when you come on stage, people don’t say, “Oh, there he is.”
MG Yes, so I’m just an actor playing a part .
DW So, why then accept a job on a Harry Potter film?
MG Because you’re wearing an enormous disguising outfit.
DW You don’t get recognised by kids?
MG A child did approach me in a restaurant in Cornwall, but he thought I was Gandalf.
DW Had you seen the films?
MG No.
DW Have you seen any now?
MG No.
DW Not even the ones you’re in?
MG Oh, hang on, I saw one.
DW Is that because you don’t like to see yourself in anything?
MG No, I find it really alarming. And the older I get, the worse it becomes. I nip in to have a quick look, then I walk out and have a cup of tea, then nip in again. You can hear it in the other room, where it feels better.
As seen by the photos and reports posted over the weekend from location filming, actor Michael Gambon is returning in his role as Professor Dumbledore for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which is due in theaters next year. Thanks Ryan!
I thought it was a good interview… not the most inportant but still just gave me something interesting to read before school. Anyway I found it surprising that he never actually watched the movies… I think it is something Dumbledore would do. =D
If I were Michael Gambon I would be pretty alarmed if were to watch the movies (I’m referring specifically to the HP movies he’s in – I know he’s good in other things). Maybe if he did watch them he would realize he played a larger role in killing Dumbledore than either Draco or Snape. I think the most accurate description I’ve ever heard of Gambon’s version of Dumbledore is “drunk pirate.”
(if you couldn’t tell from my subtle remarks, I REALLY don’t like his version of AD)
i agree with delia, he should watch the movies… with someone who has read the books so they can help guide him in a better direction for the next two movies!
“awww, he dowsn’t like to watch the films he’s in. I find that funny for some reason. :)”
It’s not really unusual for an actor not to want to see himself or herself on screen.Big or small. I know quite a few (Including Patrick Stewart) who are uncomfortable when seeing themselves.
On another note: I don’t understand why so many people take exception to Mr Gambon as ‘Dumbledore’. I find him quite adequate. Like many others, I miss Mr Harris, but remember that they are two diffrent people, with two diffrent styles of interpretation. As for having “read the books or seen the movies”, I don’t think it’s necessary for a performance. Sometimes, it’s a hinderance. JMHO.
Posted by Confederate Lady on October 29, 2007, 02:06 PM
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Awww… mistaken for Gandalf… I suppose there are worse people he could be mistaken for though and LOL for his reason for taking the role xD
He is a really nice guy. I too preferred Harris but Gambon does have a more slightly sinister quirkiness that suits the Dumbeldore of later books when we get to know his motives more and more. However, I think generally, it is healthier for an actor to watch himself on film as they can criticise themselves and try better their performances in future. This doesn’t apply to all actors though as some improve regardless but generally I think its not a good idea to not watch yourself on screen. I talk from experience. Oh yes. I appear on my Uncle’s dreaded home made videos and God, I look awaful!! So I make an effort to avoid any camera. So you see, it helped me to watch myself as now I know what to do…avoid the camera :)
Posted by Professor Potter on October 29, 2007, 02:29 PM
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He seems nice enough but I cannot STAND him as Dumbledore!!! God, we need Ian McKellen now more than ever. Is it too late to re-cast? :S
I wonder why Ian McKellen did not take the part of DD, maybe too straight to his taste.
But in the comparison Gambon Harris I think that in the end Gambon is closer to de canon!DD as he develops then Harris would have been. The grandfather type DD is gone in the last part, the machiavallian DD is perfect for Gambon.
“God, we need Ian McKellen now more than ever” Sorry Amy S, but Mr Gambon has been cast for the last two movies. BTW: Ian McKellen is one of the many actors who does NOT watch himself on film.
Posted by Confederate Lady on October 29, 2007, 03:03 PM
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That’s so weird. I never heard of actors who dont watch themselves on screen and here I am finding out a lot of British actors do it!
I like him though. In all the interviews he’s always so aloof and sarcastic and to the point and I find it so funny! And refreshing from the typical actor who just wants to talk and talk and talk.
"Water demon," said Lupin, surveying the grindylow thoughtfully. "We shouldn't have much difficulty with him, not after the kappas. The trick is to break his grip. You notice the abnormally long fingers? Strong, but very brittle."
I thought it was a good interview… not the most inportant but still just gave me something interesting to read before school. Anyway I found it surprising that he never actually watched the movies… I think it is something Dumbledore would do. =D
-HPfreak