There are several different types of acting styles that are used, such as: stylized acting, period acting and contemporary acting. Stylized acting is a role where the actor uses specific techniques such as Restoration comedies or English drawing room comedies. Period acting encompasses a role that occurs in a diverse way of life, era or place. Last but not least is contemporary acting, which is mainly the style of acting seen today. It is the acting, contemorary comedy and dramas, where the actor appears as a character that intermingles with other characters truthfully in imagined conditions.
An acting performance can be easily discussed and critiqued when looking at two specific dimensions of acting: individualization and stylization. The range of individualization of an acting performance can be determined based on how much the actor makes the performance their own (1). When playing the role of an archetype character such as the "mad scientist" or "damsel in distress" an actor can put as much or as little of their own signature on their character as they want (or as much or little as is called for in the role they are playing). When an actor has put a unique and signature twist on the character they are playing their role is said to be highly individualized. An acting performance need not always be highly individualized in order to be considered a "good" performance. Sometimes the role an actor plays requires them to be less individualized in order to work with their character's situation in the context of the film. Stylization of an acting performance can also be measured, ranging from lowly stylized or flat to highly stylized or flamboyant (1). Stylization of a performance is usually more dependent on the broad or reserved actions the actor makes while performing as well as the tone and volume of their voice. Like individualization, the amount of stylization an actor puts into their performance is somewhat dependent on the type of role they are playing and what is called for in the context of the film. Acting performances in a film such as the comedic fairytale The Princess Bride call for more dramatic stylization and flamboyancy than a performance in a film like 12 Angry Men. The former film is filled with fantasy and over the top characters which allows for more stylization, as well as individualization, to make sense and flow with the rest of the film. 12 Angry Men is a dramatic and more serious film that calls for less stylized acting in order for the audience to take the characters and story seriously.