by Beth Laster

Created on: May 28, 2010

     So I know many may not approve of Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore.  Richard Harris was a father figure to so many young readers.  He was the kindly old man with the twinkle in his eye, ready to impart sage wisdom to the student concerned with his or her upcoming OWL's.  It was a shame Richard Harris died, as we were not allowed to see the multiple dimensions I am sure he would have given to the character of Dumbledore.  It was also a shame for any new actor to take on a part  already identified with Richard Harris.  

     Michael Gambon did just that.  Although new to American audiences, he was certainly not new to British ones.  Perhaps he was not known for kindly, father figure characters. He was instead known for brittle, intelligent, decisive characters.  Gambon was well known in Britain for his lead role in the original version of Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective. He did not have a twinkle in his eye.  He did, however, have a rapier sharp blade reflected in his eye.

     Differences in Dumbledore in the earlier books and in the later books were many.  The readers were led to believe he was a benevolent, all-knowing force.  The fact is, Dumbledore was a human character, entrusted with the leadership of the younger generation, while still a flawed person.  The need for a strong hand at Hogwart's was clear.  As other malevolent characters sought control of the school, Dumbledore was often seen (by the wizarding community) as a figurehead who was not able to control the forces amassing against Hogwart's.  A man of action was needed.  Dumbledore had to have a powerful hand.

    Michael Gambon was just the man to play this Dumbledore.  Gambon was also known in the states for playing Winston Churchill.  What better symbol of British steeliness than Churchill to play out the fight between good and evil in the Potter world?  Unicorns and rainbows and a twinkle in the eye could not allay the forces of darkness like a firm, decisive hand could.  There was also the question of Dumbledore's dark background.  Could a man who could only see the good in everything really align himself with those who would choose the forces of darkness.  Hogwart's has never been thought of as a hippie commune or Santa's North Pole workshop.  Why would it be run be a man whose philosophy did not allow for a balance between good and evil?

     Although many readers and viewers of Harry Potter want to stay in the safety of a paternal saint, that is not what Harry Potter is about.  The books are, ultimately, about how Harry must grow up and accept take control of a life that is fated to him.  It may often be unfair, but what is a hero's journey when the hero is allowed to fall back time and again on a powerful benevolent being?  The great works of literature and cinema need hardships and flaws in character.  Without these, characters would only have one dimension and would not be worthy of discussion.  The readers and viewers must ask themselves,  would it still be Harry Potter if Dumbledore was the perfect being?  

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