Is movie acting better technically nowadays than, say, prior to 1970?

I agree with Leo. Sure, there are some great actors nowadays, like Harrison Ford or Anthony Hopkins (I'll ignore that you said Clooney), but to me, there are more bad talentless actors nowadays than there are great. Back then, most of the actors were amazing. Maybe people just expressed themselves differently/less obviously back then. Or maybe today's society is overly-emotional...I don't know. I don't really see it like you do. Also, the plots of the movies have changed, thus giving actors more room for their emotions. One scene that comes to mind is in Shutter Island when Leonardo is crying hysterically. There, he is acting incredibly, but if it weren't for the great yet somewhat eerie script, he wouldn't have been able to do it. I don't know..now I'm just rambling! :D