Kabuki Theater

Be still.
Have I told you actors this before? Sure I have. Someone in your acting school or some book read must've told you this.

I'm pouring through actor's reels right now. Most should be going after character actor roles. Seems they are going for leads. Be a character, you'll work more.

Maybe it's this new Marvel or DC influence, but stop fucking emoting (at least don't put it in your reel). It's awful and LOUD. Declaring something like you did in theater doesn't make a bigger impact. In fact, you look silly.

There's a film phrase I'd want most actors to know as well...it's this "if you can think it, we can see it." Hammer that into your skulls. Because everyone around you is BIG. And that could be from poor direction. To me...I think it would surprise people. Regardless of material.
For example, if you're playing an alien toad from Jupiter, maybe they want you silly. But in serious parts, God...

To me (and yes, this is only MY taste) less is better. Always. How about just doing something? Instead of marching to get a pen, just go get the pen. This is what I see in reels...
-Too many hand movements
-your head nods like a bobblehead
-you're too loud
-you smirk or smile at lines that are meant to be serious...this reads as arrogant...unless you're suppose to be a dick...which could work
-You milk moments. The lines clearly don't mean you extend the words. A LOT of actors put unnecessary beats to extend screen time. Fuck you, dude or dude-ess. If anything, makes you look retarded.

Okay, thanks for letting me vent. Here's the thing...I get it...whatever project you put on your reel, it was an opportunity and you want to make the most of it. A lot of newer directors seem to feel if you aren't emoting, you aren't acting. Barf.

Some are confusing. On one reel, I saw a set that was clearly paid for by a LOT of money. It was set in World War 2 and had BEAUTIFUL set design. The actress embodied the character. Moved properly and was elegant. Then she talked. Stilted and loud. For one thing, she didn't understand 40's lingo (it takes place there). She seemed to have difficulty with the phrasing and it just seemed to be read (which, if the director most likely gave up and just told her to read it). BUT what made sense is that she was channeling the movies of that era. Worked then, not now. Be careful. Listen carefully. The best part of that reel was when she was standing touching things.

In all seriousness, stop fucking moving. Stay still. Here...do this...pick a broad action movie...like "Predator" for instance. Now...say "get to the choppa!" without moving your head and not screaming it. Say it differently in front of a mirror and don't move your head. Practice this until it becomes like it FEELS like you're giving advice to a kid.
This is Mickey Rourke and Meryl Streep level subtlety.