Usually when we see actors we see them in worlds that are meant, in one way or another, to mimic our own. We hear their voice, recognize their environment and connect with them on some emotional level. But what happens when you put actors in a room specifically to just, well...act?

The New York Times has answered that question for us by getting fourteen of today’s most sought after actors and actresses and putting them in non-descript situations and just letting them act. What we see is both interesting and strangely beautiful. There’s something fully liberating about watching someone as imposing as Javier Bardem simply get fed up and smash plates. It somehow made me feel better about my day.

What’s interesting are the stories that we create in our heads for these scenes. Did someone stand-up Bardem? Is James Franco practicing for a date, or is he simply that infatuated with himself? Who is Matt Damon calling a fucking cocksucker? (It's kind of a bummer we can't hear that one. He's swears with such grace and relish that can only be achieved by a Bostonian). It’s an interesting collection so if you’ve got 15 minutes to spare then I recommend putting your artsy-fartsy cap on, checking out a few of them below and the rest over at the NY Times.