Dolly Zoom

Getting my hands dirty with the "Dolly Zoom" effect!
The dolly zoom effect, also known as the Vertigo effect, is a cinematic technique that creates a dramatic visual distortion by simultaneously zooming in (or out) with the camera lens while moving the camera in the opposite direction. The effect causes the subject to remain relatively the same size in the frame while the background appears to expand, contract, or warp, creating an unsettling or disorienting feeling for the viewer.
How It Works:
Camera movement: The camera physically moves closer to or farther from the subject (the "dolly" part of the effect).
Lens adjustment: The lens zooms in or out in the opposite direction of the camera's movement.
Result: This combination keeps the subject’s size consistent in the frame while altering the perspective and depth of the background.
Common Uses:
Psychological tension: To highlight a moment of realization, fear, or shock. For example, when a character understands something critical or faces a terrifying situation.
Emotional intensity: To create an emotional disconnect or amplify the drama of a scene.
Surrealism: To make the audience feel disoriented or emphasize a change in perception.
Famous Examples:
Vertigo (1958): The technique was popularized by Alfred Hitchcock in Vertigo, where it was used to depict the protagonist's fear of heights.
Jaws (1975): Used during the beach scene when Chief Brody realizes a shark attack is happening.
Goodfellas (1990): To show Henry Hill's paranoia as he feels he is being watched by the police.
The dolly zoom is a versatile tool in filmmaking that can evoke powerful emotional and visual effects when used effectively.