The Intel logo is projected on the face of Intel Executive Vice President Dadi Perlmutter as he speaks during a news conference about the 3-D Tri-Gate transistors called “Ivy Bridge” on May 4, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Intel announced a technical breakthrough in the microprocessors with the world's first Tri-Gate transistors, that will increase speed and consume less energy. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Photographer Howard Schatz had an idea: place actors in a series of roles and dramatic situations to reveal the essence of their characters. Such was the premise behind his book, In Character: Actors Acting, which captures some of Hollywood’s most emotive stars in the act of, well, making faces. Luckily for us, he continued the tradition for Vanity Fair. Here are some of the best.

People gather as a crowd of sea lions lay on floating docks at Pier 39 in San Francisco, California May 4, 2015. Hundreds of sea lions began hauling out on the docks following the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989, and face no natural predators at the pier. (Photo by Robert Galbraith/Reuters)

Artist Julien “Seth” Malland aka Seth Globepainter has become known around the world for his vibrant murals of people, most frequently children, who appear to be sucked into colorful rainbow-like voids. The figures are usually facing away from the viewer, their attention completely swallowed by pools of dripping color revealed behind drab, urban facades.

Actress Penelope Cruz (L) and actor Johnny Depp arrive at premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” held at Disneyland on May 7, 2011 in Anaheim, California. Proceeds from the world premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Stephanie Fernandez loves nothing more than turning models into zombies with spine-chilling artwork. The 18-year-old Louisiana girl's torturous designs amaze fans of incredible zombie make-up. (Photo by Instagram.com)

North Korean girls in similar bathing suits stand under a shower at the Songdowon International Children's Camp, Tuesday, July 29, 2014, in Wonsan, North Korea. The camp, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, was originally intended mainly to deepen relations with friendly countries in the Communist or non-aligned world. But officials say they are willing to accept youth from anywhere – even the United States. (Photo by Wong Maye-E/AP Photo)

Cuban girls dressed as nurses and a lizard wait for their turn to dance during a visit by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington in Havana July 13, 2015. The choir made its first appearance on July 12, 2015 in Cuba as part of a tour that will include a dozen concerts in the context of the restoration of relations between the island and the United States. (Photo by Enrique de la Osa/Reuters)