No offense to Michael Gambon but he was a terrible dumbledore. he was so unfeeling, and cold to me. the only reason we feel anything for Albus after all he’s done in the series is because we see how gentle, courageous, and warm he can be with those he loves. His relationship with Harry is very much a father and son dynamic at times, with Dumbledore loving harry but knowing that he cannot protect him and that he must prepare him for the ultimate sacrifice. Gambon does not protray this well, and while i think he’s probably a fine actor, i don’t think he understood Dumbledore.

Also. the real test for me is the scene in Kings Cross when Harry is seeing Dumbledore after killing the horcrux within himself. at this point we, and harry, are especially frustrated with Albus for all his secrets and omissions, we don’t know what to believe of the man we thought we knew so well. Harry is lost, and tired and beyond grieved by all that has happened and Albus doesn’t just offer a comforting presence but seeks Harry’s forgiveness. reminding us, and harry, that he was a lonely man who was trying his very best. a man with the world on his shoulders and a heart too full of loss.

Gambon turns this scene into a tense, awkward tete-a-tete. even the line at the end of the chapter: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” which is meant to be comforting sounds suddenly like a joke at Harry’s expense, and not the wise words of an old friend trying to give you hope.

anyway, sorry for the essay but my greatest regret for the films is that Richard Harris was not able to see the role through. RIP Harris, you are missed.