Richard Harris or Michael Gambon. Please help me settle a vicious ongoing argument

[ sequel to my post from yesterday ]

1. Richard Harris

2. Michael Gambon

3. Jude Law

I always liked the first Dumbledore who played in the very first movie sorcerer stone and chamber of secrets because it felt that his character was more believable and someone who actually displayed love and mentorship to Harry and also looked like someone who has more wisdom as he spoke in such a calm manner but after he passed and another actor went and played the role, it seemed like the second one didn't had that similar charm as he behaved much grumpier and sometimes arrogant which is not what I'd expect from an old experienced wise man.

So, I've been a Harry Potter fan since the first books came out, and since then I have obviously had some encounters with people who had read the books and watched the films. One thing they always seem to say and agree with is that Michael Gambon's Dumbledore is bad and far worse than Richard Harris'. Now, I disagree. Though in some ways, Richard Harris' calmness and tranquility makes him a good Dumbledore, I actually think Michael Gambon's energy is what makes him even better. In the books, Dumbledore was always described as being energetic and jovial, and that's exactly what Gambon is! Harris could have never performed the Voldemort fight nearly as well as Gambon imo, amongst many other important scenes like the one in the cave. (Obviously there were some weird moments: HARRYDIDYAPUTYOURNAMEINTHEGOBLETOFFIAH), but I place that responsability upon the writers.

Please tell me your thoughts!

P.S: Sorry if it's too long the post, it's the first one I do on Reddit so I havent got the hang of it yet :)

Okay, so the title is messed up. heres what i'm trying to say.

The original Dumbledore played by Richard Harris was definitely the how anyone who read the books would imagine Dumbledore to be. The whole x ray eye vision was portrayed nicely.

However, what do you guys think about Harris' Dumbledore in the later books if he had lived? Michael Gambon was great in the Ministry Duel and that Severus Please scene.

Most of the time I couldn't even hear what Harris was saying. And I hated that stupid pony tailed beard of Gambon. Dumbledore was supposed to be majestic and powerful wizard, not a filthy hanging robes snatcher.

/rant

I just rewatched all the movies and it’s clear to me that Gambon was much better as Dumbledore. He had a gravitas about him. He could be sincere, but also had a hint of dangerousness about him. Plus his voice is badass. Harris on the other hand seemed only feeble and wise. I guess my argument would be that Gambon is better as the series went on because I can’t imagine Harris (RIP) being as commanding in darker times. I mean seriously- imagine him dueling at the Ministry with Voldemort.

I prefer Richard Harris’s Dumbledore. He’s just like the book Dumbledore with the calm and collected personality and voice and also he always wears his glasses.

And while I like Michael Gambon’s Dumbledore too, he wasn’t entirely fitting, due to several reasons:

• Not always wearing the half-moon glasses

• The well-known “HARRY! DID YOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIRE?! and also other bits of shouting

• The beard being tied

• Other moments that didn’t match things with book Dumbledore

The only good thing I can think of regarding Gambon’s Dumbledore is that he is more energetic than Harris’s.

Often I see people saying that Richard Harris was a better Dumbledore than Michael Gambon.... That Richard Harris had some playful/goofy charm to him while Gambon was colder and didn't really fit the role like Harris would have. I have to disagree. I think Harris perfectly fit the lighter theme in Harry Potter 1 and 2. And as the series progressed and got darker I absolutely revered the strong presence and epic skill,power, and knowledge of Gambon's Dumbledore. Yet again I never saw Harris in a position to portray his own power so I might be wrong. What is your take on Dumbledore in the movies? R.I.P to both amazing actors. Their legacy will live on forever.

Rewatching HP, after finishing up Fantastic Beasts SOD, and while Michael Gambon did a great job, truly Harris was the Dumbledore of the books AND I could totally see Jude Laws Dumbledore in him (or vice versa). Like the witty behavior, confidence, etc.

Which Dumbledore did you think was the better Dumbledore?

I prefer Michael Gambon, maybe because we've seen more of him in more movies, but I feel like I saw more emotions and a wider variety of things from him.

What do you think? The Richard Harris Dumbledore seemed to be a little more consistently calm to me.

Please put your opinion and why. R.I.P. Richard Harris

I'm quite new around here, and I don't know if this has been posted before, but I'm curious as to whether other Potterheads view Richard Harris (HP 1&2) or Michael Gambon (3 through 7) as the better actor for Dumbledore’s character? If you need something to refresh your memory, here is a link of both actors set up against each other: http://tinyurl.com/dumbledores

I would personally have to say I prefer Michael Gambon (3-7) as Dumbledore, however, I'm eager to find out if others feel the same. I assume most would prefer the most long-lasting actor, as he bonds the most with the character (which is why I would choose Gambon over Harris, but I'm curious as to the ratio of Potterhead-opinions.