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masterofmystery · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009, 11:42 PM

The LA Times' Hero Complex blog has been updated with their Michael Gambon interview, where the actor spoke about working off the movie scripts rather than the actual books (which he has not read), Dumbledore's intimidating nature and how he plays off Draco on the Astronomy Tower, starting Deathly Hallows next February, and having worked with Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe.

Quote:

The choice not to read Rowling’s book series, he explains, is deliberate and he points out that costars Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman haven’t taken up the books either.

“You’d get upset about all the scenes it's missing from the book, wouldn‘t you?” Gambon said via phone from New York, where he was promoting the opening this Wednesday of the sixth "Potter" film. “No point in reading the books because you’re playing with [screenwriter] Steve Kloves’ words.”

Quote:

He’s got to be a bit scary," Gambon said of his Dumbledore. "All headmasters should be a bit scary, shouldn’t they? A top wizard like him would be intimidating. And ultimately, he’s protecting Harry. Essentially, I play myself. A little Irish, a little scary. That’s what I’m like in real life.”

Gambon said he wasn’t terribly emotional upon learning of Dumbledore’s death, and he viewed it a bit as an Obi-Wan Kenobi sorta-kinda death. “Wizards can’t die, can they? They’re always a bit there.”

Still, he said his demise is the film’s most powerful scene. Atop Hogwarts’ Astronomy Tower, Dumbledore is confronted by a determined Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), the Voldemort disciple who has been tasked with killing the headmaster. The youngster's confidence is shaken when it’s time to do the dark deed. “He goads Draco," Gambon said of his character. "He knows he isn‘t going to do it."

On having attended last week's London premiere:

Quote:

“I was really moved by the number of children there. It was raining and everyone was drenched, some of them had been there for hours. You feel responsible for them in a way. All their books and pieces of paper for autographs were all wet, the pens wouldn’t work. It was so sad. It makes you realize how big this thing is.”

Quote:

Watching stars Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint grow up has been especially fun. “They’ve become worldly, wise and strong actors. That’s been nice to see. You can say things to them now that you couldn’t say to them then.”

Like what? “Oh I don’t know. I dare not say,” he said, chuckling. Should we assume the worst? “Yes,” he answered with a cryptic bit of sass.

SheydaMalfoy · 07-13-2009, 11:43 PM

Ahaha, I wonder what stuff he can say to them now.. That's funny XD

cherbear09 · 07-13-2009, 11:51 PM

great interview!!! ONLY TWO DAYS!!!!

iwantorlando05 · 07-14-2009, 12:11 AM

I love Michael Gambon's portrayal of Dumbledore. I think he's awesome. It's kind of disappointing that he, Alan Rickman, and alot of the adult actors haven't read the books. But it's understandable. I mean he's really busy and I'm sure he only wants to focus on what's in the script. I can't wait to see HBP!! Only 1 Day left!! :cheers:

OrangeBubbleSnake · 07-14-2009, 12:32 AM

Wow Rickman hasn't read them? somewhat suprising, even tho I know his snape is a tad different tho.

Looneybird · 07-14-2009, 12:44 AM

Though I have respect for Micheal Gambon from other films, I am not a fan of his work in HP. I just dont think he gets the character. I mean there are certain things he understands but, when he says, 'He’s got to be a bit scary," Gambon said of his Dumbledore. "All headmasters should be a bit scary, shouldn’t they? A top wizard like him would be intimidating. And ultimately, he’s protecting Harry. Essentially, I play myself. A little Irish, a little scary. That’s what I’m like in real life.”'
Yeah Dumbledore's got to be a bit indimating, but I think Gambon has got the wrong end of it there. When you see Dumbledore, ppl think oh yeah this guy is this great hero etc and I would never be able to match them. But when you meet him, he's a nice guy. We see that when he's around Harry in the books. We dont see that in the films, especially around Harry. He man handles him in GOF and in OOTP says to the others kids, "dont you all have studying to do!" That is just downright scary. And if that's how he is in real life I would run for my life.

Ginny GL · 07-14-2009, 12:52 AM

Interesting idea to work from... jiji

phoenix_tears · 07-14-2009, 12:56 AM

^^
I agree with you, he's not the Dumbledore in the books.

But he's alright, nonetheless

Richard_13 · 07-14-2009, 01:28 AM

Very nice Interview!!

WotcherKait · 07-14-2009, 01:44 AM

He does appear to be portraying a different Dumbledore. He seems more agressive on film than the Dumbledore in the books.

Patfinleyplz · 07-14-2009, 02:13 AM

richard harris was dumbledore in the flesh, michael gambom portrays him poorly imo. in the 5th film when he yells "don't you all have studying to do?!" i cringe everytime. dumbledore would never yell so angrily at students like that. tsk tsk

GinnyPotter7 · 07-14-2009, 02:14 AM

I can understand why they wouldn't read the HP books but I still feel a bit disappointed!

hpnaiv · 07-14-2009, 02:15 AM

Richard Harris was very good. But I think Michael Gambon has the perfect look. Just my opinion. He seems a little less rough from what we've seen in the trailers... so I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him in HBP!

One more day!

MarchingBandGoddess · 07-14-2009, 02:39 AM

ha. I don't understand how you could be in something so big and be such important characters like Snape or Voldemort or Dumbledore and not have read the books. I mean, that's part of the reason they have so many fans is due to the book, yes? Also Dumbledore was supposed to be a sweet professor the first few until things got serious, so some of his phrasing like his "did what?" in POA or his violent outrage at Harry supposedly putting his name in the goblet seemed off to me. I thought he had more of a hidden strength, shown in the sixth. It was one thing for Felton to put off reading the books, that was ages ago, but without it, he wouldn't have been able to portray Draco so well in the sixth. i suppose the script is all they need. Oh well, they do a fantasatic job nonetheless.