DOLLY ZOOM Meaning and
Definition
-
Dolly zoom, also known as the Vertigo effect or the reverse tracking shot, is a filmmaking technique used to create a disorienting visual effect in which the subject in the frame appears to remain the same size, while the background either grows larger or shrinks. This technique involves simultaneously moving the camera towards or away from the subject while adjusting the zoom lens in the opposite direction.
The dolly zoom effect was first popularized by director Alfred Hitchcock in his film "Vertigo" (1958), and has since been utilized by many filmmakers to convey a sense of unease, confusion, or emotional intensity. It is often used in scenes portraying psychological turmoil, mystery, or moments of revelation.
When executed properly, the dolly zoom produces a dramatic effect by distorting the viewer's perception of space, creating a sensation of either impending doom or a sudden revelation about the subject being filmed. It is achieved by combining camera manipulation and lens adjustment to maintain the relative size of the subject while altering the perspective of the surrounding environment.
The dolly zoom is a powerful cinematographic technique that enhances the emotional impact of a scene and captivates the audience's attention. Its usage highlights the shift in visual focus and can intensify dramatic moments, making it a valuable tool in the filmmaker's arsenal.
Etymology of DOLLY ZOOM
The term "dolly zoom" was coined by the English film director Alfred Hitchcock during the production of the movie "Vertigo" in 1958. Although the technique had been used in some earlier films, it was during the shooting of "Vertigo" that Hitchcock and his cinematographer, Irmin Roberts, refined and popularized it.
The term "dolly" refers to a wheeled device known as a camera dolly, which is used to move the camera smoothly along a track. On the other hand, "zoom" refers to the act of changing the focal length of the camera lens to make the subject of the shot appear closer or farther away.
In a dolly zoom shot, the camera is moved either closer to or farther away from the subject while simultaneously zooming in the opposite direction.
