A dolly zoom combines a track-in or track-out movement with the apparent movement of a zoom in the opposite direction. Depending on whether it is a dolly out/zoom in, or a dolly in/zoom out, either the background shifts towards the foreground or away from it.

The respective zooming direction and additional perspective changes caused by the camera movement produce either a special dizzying or oppressive effect.

A dolly zoom is also variously known as:

  • Dolly counter zoom
  • Reverse tracking shot
  • The Hitchcock zoom
  • Vertigo effect
  • Trombone effect
« Back to Glossary Index

By Filmmakers Academy