a) The genius to transform oneself.
b) The talent to showcase such transformation
c) The inspiration to do both things in the conditions of time and space given.

If I make this distinction between “genius” and “talent” is because sometimes these terms are used as synonyms. I refer to genius as the innate ability; and when I refer to talent I think of learnt abilities in schools or through practice and experience. Talent, in this case, requires effort. Where as the genius without the effort of the talent can easily pass by undiscovered.

THE GENIUS:

To transform oneself into another, is to dress like another, walk like another, move like another, speak like another, and feel like another. We pay for tickets to see Othelos’ jealousy, the unfortunate love between Romeo and Juliet, or the bravery of Don Juan Tenor. We pay to see the effort these actors make to convince us they are transformed into these characters.

It doesn’t matter how dramatic, or hysterical a show host, a politician, or a salesman is, we cant call their public appearances performances, because they lack the main element of : transformation. They appear with their name and last names and they dont try and convince the others they are someone else. They might try and convince us they are better than they are, but not someone else. Which is precisely what we do.

” Dont act. You fit the part-said Katherine Hepburn to Anthony Hopkins when they rehearsed- You have everything you need to do your part. Do like Spencer Tracy, limit yourself to reading your script.”

But these pieces of advice are ONLY right in few occasions. Such as:
a) if you posses a personality so strong and present that makes us forget if you are creating or not a character.
b) If the role matches your personality
c) When you have established a mastery of acting and can do if effortlessly.

Listen, the only time the famous advice “just be yourself” is if you are Meryl Streep or if you match your character 100%. Because lets face it. If it were enough to just be oneself…anyone could be an actor, because no effort would have to be made and any John Doe from the street could give an Academy Award winning performance at the sound of “Action”!.

THE TALENT

An actor can be a genius at transforming himself but it is worth nothing to a performance if he doesnt know how to showcase it. He can through all that innate ability away if as soon as you place him in front of a camera or an audience; he turns his back, stands behind another actor, speaks unintelligibly or we cant hear him. This ability is one you can learn and practice in order to perfect.

THE INSPIRATION HERE AND NOW

The third requisite refers to the need for the actor to be inspired and creative at the time and place he has to be. No tiredness, laziness, boredom, or personal problems would justify an actor performing badly and lacking the inspiration the moment he hears “Action”. His technique -and the help from the director- will have to be enough to make him forget anything but the role in here and now. Concentration is our biggest ally.