The New Hollywood: 1981-1999

This chapter focuses on three key modes of performance – excess, transformation and the ensemble – that characterised both the films and acting of the 1981-1999 period. Firstly, the concept of ‘excess’ allows an exploration of exaggerated, histrionic performances, the mechanical acting and ‘musculinity’ of hard body action heroes and heroines and the performances of addiction and obsession that littered the period. ‘Transformation’ brings together the ‘body swap’, dual performance, body mutation, gender alteration, the Cinderella makeover and physical and mental adaption. Finally, the ensemble offers a rich space to showcase a variety of actors and acting styles, bringing together excess and transformation in their engagement with social and cultural concerns of the period.