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The Dolly Zoom

The Dolly Zoom is a camera technique/effect that was developed by Irmin Roberts ( a Paramount second-unit cameraman) in the 20th century. 


The purpose of the Dolly Zoom is to undermine one's visual perception and create a sense of false reality in which the character within the frame becomes either a) frightened, b) has a sudden revelation/realisation, or c) reacts to a dramatic event.

 As ones mind uses perspective and size to calculate the proper dimensions of ones surroundings, it is difficult for the mind to compensate when the perspective changes without the size. This therefore creates an unsettling, disorientating and confusing experience for the audience.

 The effect is achieved by the camera moving towards or away from the subject, whilst the lens zooms in or out. The most common effect is where the background retreats and the foreground or focus point is drawn towards the centre, causing a dramatic accompaniment to a particular moment.

 Perhaps the most famous dolly-zoom is in Steven Spielbergs Jaws. It is the moment where Police Chief Brody witnesses as shark attack on a beach. The Dolly Zoom is used to create a moments horror as he realizes the potential threat and danger.
Dolly Zoom: JAWS
Another example is in Peter Jacksons 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'. After tumbling down a bank, the four hobbits are collecting their belongings when Frodo Baggins notices that they have stumbled onto the road and they are now all in terrible danger. Unlike the dolly zoom in Jaws, this frame is focused on what the character is looking at rather than the character itself.

Dolly Zoom: The Lord of The Rings

The first appearance of the Dolly Zoom however was in Alfred Hitchcocks Vertigo. Follow this link to read more: http://film-forensics.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/vertigo-film-review.html

Unfortunately today the Dolly Zoom is seen as a cliche technique, over-used by junior directors and students because of the effects popularity. Hundreds of movies have incorporated this effect, and unless it is appropriate and will have a significant impact on  the viewer it may perhaps be wise to avoid it.

However, that being said, there are many great moments in film where the Dolly Zoom has created an iconic moments that have made history in the movie world; the above are to name just a few.

For more Dolly Zooms see here: http://vimeo.com/84548119 

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