What makes an actor great?

[Drew Baxter]

An arguement during rehearsals today made me ponder the above question.

What does make an actor great?

Obviously, I believe that Mr Lee is a great actor, and in thinking about why, I came to this conclusion.

You don't see him acting.

He IS the charector he portrays.

Simple really.

[Brandon Jones]

I think with most great actors there comes several points: Originality, Longevity, Believability, and Integrity.

Most REAL actors can take a character and make it their own. That's were the originality comes into play. Many times a great script and director can greatly increase the portrayal, but in the end it comes down to what the actor does with the script. Take Michael Keaton for example. I believe he "wrote the book" on how to play the Batman/Bruce Wayne character. Whether you like Batman or not, there is no denying his performance was original.

Longevity comes from sticking it out...taking the good with the bad. Every actor (whether they are your favorite or no) has made some bad films. Personally, my favorite actors are Michael Keaton, Christopher Lee, Jack Nicholson, Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford, and Michael Douglas. ALL of them have done bad films. However the good outweighs the bad, and they are all still in the business. (with the exception of Keaton who was typecast as Batman)

Believablity comes hand in hand with the actors interpretation of the script. Do you feel this person is just acting or that they have become the character? Watching Christopher Lee as Saruman was a high point of my movie going experience. He WAS Saruman. I wouldn't have it any other way...no one could portray him like Lee did. Integrity comes with time. I'm sure Lee has turned down hundreds of roles because of personal integrity...that takes balls.

[David Vasser]

Well said Saruman Rules! I also would like to point out that, in my opinion, Count Dooku wasn't such a bad performance either! Sarumana and Dooku are both plum roles.

Regarding Mr. Keaton, let us note that following his two BATMAN appearances he has kept working. He has completed the following projects since playing the greatest defender of Gotham City ever!
1993-MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
1993- MY LIFE
1994-SPEECHLESS (he was a Kent State Speech major)
1994-THE PAPER
1996-MULTIPLICITY
1997-JACKIE BROWN
1998-DESPERATE MEASURES
1998-OUT OF SIGHT (very small role granted)
1998-JACK FROST

While the Batman films may have made lots more money than these did, I don't think you can say his career is over. He made 9 films since taking off the cape. While he hasn't made any lately, there is talk of another BATMAN movie!

[Brandon Jones]

Oh I totally understand about Keaton...I love him. I've seen all his movies. His favorites of mine after Batman are The Paper, Multiplicity, Speechless and My Life. However, none of them did well at the box office, and almost all of them were pounded by the critics. He simply isn't a box office draw is what I meant to say. Doesn't mean he's not brilliant in his performance however...

[noblerot]

I'm not an expert on acting and certainly I agree that a good actor "becomes" his character. But it seems to me that some actors are lucky enough to consistently find roles where they can basically play themselves. For me, a truly great actor goes beyond himself and assumes a wide variety of roles. Christopher Lee certainly meets that requirement.

[Elizabeth]

The greatest talent an actor must have is the ability to adapt to his or her chosen role without sacrificing their own individuality in order to play it the way someone else would.
Only that way can a performance be authentic and enjoyable to watch.

[Alfonso Casal]

Two things, I would say: Hard work and imagination.