The title of Adam Goldberg's new movie is intriguing: (Untitled) really doesn't have one.

``When I saw that on the script, it got my attention,'' said the actor from his L.A. home. ``Lots of scripts say `Untitled' at some point, but this was it.''

In (Untitled), which opened in theaters Friday, Goldberg stars as a so-called experimental musician -- he uses strange objects like a bucket filled with change as an instrument -- who becomes involved in New York's avant garde art scene.

Playing Adrian Jacobs was a departure from past mainstream stuff Goldberg's done: He first hit the big screen in 1993's Dazed and Confused, then went on to parts ranging from Saving Private Ryan to Friends and its spinoff, Joey.

``I really like that the film was dealing with a specific world, such a specific subject,'' says the 39-year-old. ``Atonal music definitely exists. We kind of pull the curtain back on it.''

His character -- some would call Adrian a genius, others a loon -- attracted him for a number of reasons. ``It was very kind of just clear to me who this guy was. He was funny, an idealist, a strong believer in his quote unquote music.''

With more than 50 movies on his résumé, Goldberg has developed outside interests besides acting, such as writing and directing the well received I Love Your Work (2003).

``Over the years, I've become a guy who acts to subsidize other things that I do,'' says Goldberg, who finds inspiration from directors David Lynch, Martin Scorsese and David Fincher.

He did eventually get to work with the latter, but not in the capacity he wanted. Originally cast to play a thug who terrorizes a mother and daughter in 2002's Panic Room, Goldberg had scheduling conflicts (TV's short-lived Flashpoint).

``David Fincher basically offered me the part,'' Goldberg laments. ``That was a big regret of mine for years.''

Later the director hired him for a small role in the 2007 thriller Zodiac.

``When he was casting that I just asked, `Is there anything left?' ''

Goldberg says he enjoyed making (Untitled), even though he's not a huge art buff.

``I have a small collection of photographs; somewhat surrealistic fashion photographs. Mainly old Japanese and Polish movie posters,'' he says. ``Nothing earth shattering.''

-- MADELEINE MARR