New York Times Magazine - Actors Acting [Watch]

If you have a minute check out the New York Times Magazine’s amazing segment Actors Acting

The New York Times assembled 14 of the best actors around and produced a fabulous series of short films depicting classic characters, situations, and tropes that have been used since the beginning of film. With no sound, context, and minimal camera movement, these black and white shorts are amazing masterpieces in conveying narrative and emotion.

Directed by Solve Sundsbo and with music by Owen Pallett, this is a pure throwback to a silent era of film where story was told solely through physical movements ranging from subtle facial tics to full blown grand physical movements.

Particular standouts include Michael Douglas playing a brooding diabolical genius or some dark moody poet out of an Edgar Allen Poe horror show; Natalie Portman’s turn as a tired and jaded socialite or jazz crooner at the end of a long night; Jennifer Lawrence as the unfortunate victim of something terrible in a Hitchcock style masterpiece; James Franco as a hapless lover practicing in front of a mirror before he asks a girl to the movies; and Javier Bardem as an incredibly upset man waiting for his dinner.

I will also say this, there is a reason why Tilda Swinton’s short is saved for last. I mean WOW, you’ve got to see it for yourself.

Head over here to enjoy.