A fork of Rural Dictionary
In the acting profession, to over-act, ham it up
Instead of chewing the scenery as he has in other films, the actor delivered a subtle performance.
(of an actor) to deliver a bad or amateurish performance.
"in the final scene he was really chewing the scenery."
What people like Johnny Depp, Gary Oldman and William Shatner do for a living.
Lloyd: "Dude, did you see Gary Oldman in Dracula?"
Brett: "Yea, he didn't half chew the scenery. Almost as much as William Shatner in Star Trek."
Lloyd: "Or Johnny Depp in just about any of his films."
In reference to actors (William Shatner comes immediately to mind) chewing the scenery means overacting or over-emoting.
His expression of being shocked by the murder was so great he was chewing the scenery.
To display excessive emotion or to act in an exaggerated manner while performing.
Actors like Johnny Depp, William Shatner, and Tim Curry are well know for chewing the scenery.
To overact, particularly in film and television.
William Shatner chews mad amounts of scenery as a part of his daily breakfast routine.