The dolly zoom is synonymous with some of the most memorable films and movies from the classic and modern periods of cinema. It’s an innovative technique that disorients audiences and creates an effective feeling of emotional significance for characters and specific points in narratives. But there is more to this technique than meets the eye.
Now You See It explores the visual device in a video essay. Originated by Alfred Hitchcock in his film “Vertigo,” the technique earned its nickname “the Vertigo Effect” from its use in the film. Used to take the vantage point of Scotty (James Stewart) and convey to audiences his great fear of heights, the dolly zoom tracks the camera forward or backward while simultaneously zooming in or out. The foreground stays in the same position while the background squeezes or stretches.
A go-to example of the dolly zoom that coincides emotional effect with a technical “coolness” is Steven Spielberg‘s “Jaws.” While Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) watches a shark attack take place on the populated summer beach, the camera’s dolly zoom demonstrates the distortion of the world as well as the image. Dolly zooms can also be subtle yet effective. In Peter Jackson‘s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” the dolly zoom gives the sensation that the forest is opening up, giving evil a way to enter. It’s subtle and quick, but renders a great effect.
While the dolly zoom has its reputation of being flashy or over exaggerating or distorting visuals, it can also convey real emotion. Keep your eyes out next time you head to the multiplex. Something to be on the lookout for next time your eyes are glued to the screen.