Does anyone else notice this kind of “Instagram acting” in newer movies?
There’s a kind of acting in newer movies that I’m finding increasingly unbearable. It’s not exactly bad acting. It’s more like everyone seems intensely aware of being watched. Huge warm smiles, scrunched-up eyes, cute little reaction faces, constant demonstrations of charm and likability. Characters don’t just seem happy or affectionate; they seem to *perform being happy and affectionate for us*.
“Instagram acting” is the best term I can think of. Like acting that has absorbed the grammar of social media: be expressive, be charming, show your reaction, make sure your personality is always visible.
Older movies obviously had broad performances too, but people seemed more comfortable just having a neutral face. They could listen, stare, be awkward, reserved, unpleasant, or hard to read. Not every emotion had to be immediately displayed.
The thing that bothers me most is that the character seems to have an awareness of being perceived that should belong only to the actor.
And I do wonder whether growing up in a culture of constant self-presentation has something to do with it. We’ve spent 15+ years training ourselves to experience things partly through how they will look to other people. It would be strange if that had zero effect on acting, writing, or directing.
Am I imagining this, or is there already a term for it?