While I was blog surfing tonight, WT was watching The GoodShepherd (2006) and I heard a voice I easily recognized. "Is that
Michael Gambon?" I asked. Suddenly, the movie had my attention.
The first time that I really noticed Sir Michael Gambon in a film was
his great portrayal of Father Jack Mundy in Dancing at Lughnasa
(1998). Since then, he has been one of my many favorites. His
powerful, yet understated performances are superb, in my book.
Dignified and comfortable, with a soothing, recognizable voice, he
takes on roles easily, as if he was portraying himself. I am always
thrilled to see him in a film, because he adds a special excellent
quality, giving it substance. Gambon started as a teenager in theater
in the UK in the 1960's and since been in 106 films and countless
theater productions. Among my favorite Gambon films are The Last
September (2000), Charlotte Gray (2001), Gosford Park (2001),
Sylvia (2003), The Omen (2006) and Amazing Grace (2006). Lately,
he is best well known for his roles in the Harry Potter films. If you are
unfamiliar with this master performer, take note! He is way up there
in my little book of Manor Favorites.
Yes, you're SO right about the voice.
ReplyDeleteAnd your wish is my command. Jeeves is on his journey to your front door, all the way from Onkaparinga ....
Thanks, David, you are a lifesaver. I SO need Jeeves at The Manor!
ReplyDeleteDid you ever see the Inspector Maigret series he did for the BBC? They were adaptations of the Georges Simenon books. Rather strange that all the Parisian characters were so very British, but still one of my favorites. Also, you must see Being Julia, if you haven't already. He's in it, a rather minor role, but still wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love his hands ... very expressive.
Pamela, I will check to see if our library has the Inspector Maigret series. I know I would love it. Thanks for the suggestion! And yes, I forgot about Being Julia. Have not seen it in a while. I must again.
ReplyDeleteI saw Amazing Grace so know who he is now. I will keep my eyes and ears open!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to see "Amazing Grace" but didn't get to the theater in time. I'll have to rent it soon. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what it says about me that I've only seen the Harry Potter films out of all you've listed...?
ReplyDeleteOh well!
Re: your comments with David McMahon...I'd like to have Jeeves in my life too! *feels justified for recognizing Wodehouse...*
Yes, he is also a favourite. Loved Amazing Grace but you mentioned a few I haven't seen yet. And thanks for all the nice new blogs to try out! I am taking a few days leave this week and will enjoy. Love Eleanor
ReplyDeleteThese older photos and characters make up an elaborate visual presentation that is just hard to find on people, in general, these days. It is like we don't really understand clothes and how they go together. No sweaters and scarves and mittens and snow suits and rubber boots with big buckles. That red spot is delightful.
ReplyDeleteAbraham Lincoln
Brookville, Ohio happened naturally.
Abe, I totally agree. Don't we dress horridly theses days? I was born in the wrong time period, as far as clothing and fashion is concerned.
ReplyDeleteI love this pic of Gambon.
Willow...I've seen Gambon perform many times over the years..a fine actor...he was great in Amazing Grace, and of course the HP films as well.
ReplyDeleteSpent some quality time reading your blog this afternoon - instead of that mad dash in and out of your front door! And I just wanted to tell you: You are a star! Love, Eleanor
ReplyDeleteEleanor, can you stay for tea? I'm so happy to have you spend some time at The Manor. I was having one of those "brown shoes" days...you know, when everyone else is in evening attire. You completely lifted my spirits. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAh, now you're talking! He is truly one of my all-time favorite actors. Excellent choice! I whole-heartedly agree.
ReplyDeleteHe's a wonderful actor and was so good in Amazing Grace...I really liked him in Longitude with Jeremy Irons( another of my favorites..)
ReplyDeleteRebecca, Longitude?! How did I miss this? I really like Jeremy Irons, too. Off to IMDB to check this out...
ReplyDeleteI loved that movie .. it was slow but so was the world back then.
ReplyDelete:-Daryl
We just saw him in the PBS series "Wives and Daughters." He was quite wonderful in it!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I'll have to rent the DVD. I haven't seen many of the current offerings from Hollywood lately. Thanks for the tip. Pappy
ReplyDeleteI too find Sir Michael's performances top-notch. I recently watched the Masterpiece Theater mini series Wives and Daughters in which he played the part of an 18th century Squire with superb feeling and realism.
ReplyDeleteAmazing Grace was a wonderful film and Gambon played the part of John Newton with much tension and regret.
I do have to say that I liked Richard Harris as Dumbledore better than Michael Gambon. Harris exuded a magical quality that Gambon doesn't seem able to conjure up in this role.
Stevie and Sharon, I haven't seen the Wives and Daughters series. Gotta add that to my ever growing list. And I'm probably the only person on the planet who hasn't actually seen the Harry Potter films.
ReplyDeleteAs often is the case between choosing the movie or the book version, reading Harry Potter will be a much better choice than seeing the movies. There is so much to enjoy in the books that the movies can never convey.
ReplyDeleteBetter yet listen to Jim Dale reading the books. He brought them to life and beginning with book three he even captures the voices of the actors who play the parts. (book three because this is about the time the first movie came out and people began to associate voices with characters) Watch the movies lastly.
I guess you can see I am a big fan. I watched the first two movies before I ever decided to read the books. I thought...kids books...but decided to read one. I began with the third book(since I had seen the 1st two in movie form) and quickly read everything Rowling had written to that point including one and two.
Stevie, thanks for the recommendation. I think I have shyed away from both the Harry Potter books and films because I felt like they were children's books. Maybe I should give them a second look?
ReplyDeleteI will join you in the corner, Willow, as I have not read any of the Harry Potter novels, nor have I seen any of the films.
ReplyDeleteIf my children were young I'm sure I would have. Some of my favorite movies were ones I enjoyed with my children such as "The Never Ending Story" and "Labyrinth" and "Princess Bride"....and yes, even "Willow"!
Pat, yes, those SAME four movies were also favorites of my kids and I am very familiar with them. Mine also liked "Clash of the Titans". Remember that one? Ah, fond memories.
ReplyDeleteRe: Michael Gambon
ReplyDeleteYes one of my favorite actors.. truly one or the titans of our age..my first experience w/him was in the TV version of "Pennies from Heaven".
Gilbert, hi, welcome to Willow Manor. So did you really work with Michael Gambon? Fill me in!
ReplyDeleteAlso remarkably repugnant in a sadistic, but fascinating film by Peter Greenaway. The Cook, The Thief, His wife and Her Lover. He is a very daring actor. He dares to show his darkest side. Helen Mirren is vivid and very sexy,(in my memory), as The Wife.
ReplyDeleteMarc, how did I possibly miss this one? I love, love, love Helen Mirren, too, so I know I would enjoy it. I'll have to queue up my Netflix. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you ever get the chance, watch out for the BBC adaptation of the play 'The singing detective'. Gambon is amazing in it.
ReplyDeleteAs for Harry Potter ... I read the first two then gave up. Yes, they're good kids' books ... but they are just that. It's not great literature. Not even close. Now Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' books are a different thing altogether. Wonderful writing. But don't see 'The Golden Compass' (the adaptation of Book 1). Classic Hollywood destruction of a great book to make a ghastly film. The book, as is usually the case, is a million times better.
Stevyn, "The Singing Detective" had been added to my list. I remember when it came out and wanted to see it, but never did.
ReplyDeleteYes, he's a wonderful actor. I just saw Amazing Grace finally....and I see him a lot in BBC productions too.
ReplyDeleteDagabit, but you have great tasted! Stevyn speaks wisely also. IMO, The Singing Detective is one of the greatest pieces of television ever made and Gambon is masterful. It's another work by Dennis Potter (who also did Pennies from Heaven).
ReplyDeleteDid you catch Gambon briefly in the recently aired Cranford on PBS? That was beautifully done.