Dolly shot in film can heighten emotions by capturing subtle changes in a character’s expression or drawing attention to important details in the scene. They are also great for showcasing environments and creating a sense of space and scale. Using a dolly shot, filmmakers can turn an ordinary scene into something dynamic and engaging. In this article, we'll explore the dolly shot examples in film, the types of these shots, and how they are used to improve storytelling in filmmaking.
What is a dolly shot and why use it
A dolly shot is a camera movement technique in which the camera moves smoothly along a track or platform, usually to follow action or change perspective. This creates fluid motion and makes the scene feel more engaging. This technique helps guide the viewer's focus and adds depth and emotion to a video to make it more visually compelling.
5 unique dolly zoom shot examples
The filmmakers also dolly zoom shot examples to distort the background while keeping the subject the same size. Below are five iconic films where this technique plays a pivotal role in highlighting a character’s mental state.
1. Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese uses the dolly zoom to amplify the growing tension and unease in Goodfellas. The technique is most effective in the scene where Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) walks through the restaurant. As the camera zooms in on him while pulling back, the background seems to stretch and distort. The effect expresses the emotional weight of the moment, adding to the sense of dread.
2. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino employs the dolly zoom during a moment of surreal realization in Pulp Fiction. When Vincent Vega (John Travolta) is at a diner and suddenly becomes aware of the absurdity of the situation, the camera begins to zoom in while it moves back. This effect distorts the space around him and makes the viewer feel just as confused as the character.
3. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
In Requiem for a Dream, Darren Aronofsky uses the dolly zoom to represent the mental collapse of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn). The effect occurs during a scene where Sara is on the phone, and as she speaks, the camera pulls back while zooming in on her face. This visual distortion increases the sense of psychological turmoil and captures her spiral into desperation and delusion.
4. Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg uses the dolly zoom in Jurassic Park to create a sense of awe and fear when the characters first see the dinosaurs. As Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler step out of the jeep and witness a massive Brachiosaurus, the camera pulls back while zooming in. This effect makes the dinosaur seem even larger and heightens the characters’ shock and the viewer’s sense of wonder.
5. Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan uses the dolly zoom shot to represent the bending of reality in Inception visually. During a pivotal dream sequence, the streets of Paris begin to fold and twist. The camera pulls back while zooming in on the characters. This creates a feeling of unease and instability. The dolly zoom adds to the theme of perception versus reality and makes the viewer feel the fluidity of the dream state.
7 types of dolly shots
Here are seven key types of dolly shots, each with its unique impact on the visual storytelling process.
1. Dolly in and dolly out
A dolly-in-shot example involves the camera moving closer to the subject. On the other hand, a dolly-out shot example moves the camera away. These movements can focus attention on a character or scene and emphasize key moments. A dolly-in effect can create intimacy and draw the audience closer to the action. However, a dolly out can show more of the environment, giving a sense of distance or revealing new details.
2. Dolly zoom
The dolly zoom shot example, also known as the "Vertigo effect," involves moving the camera toward or away from the subject while simultaneously adjusting the zoom to maintain the same framing. This creates a striking visual effect where the subject stays the same size but the background appears to stretch or compress.
3. Dolly with secondary camera movement
The dolly with secondary camera movement combines the dolly shot with another camera movement, like tilt or pan. This creates more complex and dynamic shots. This technique enables the filmmaker to explore space and character while keeping the motion fluid and engaging.
4. Tracking shot
A tracking shot is when the camera moves along with the subject, keeping it in the frame. Often, the camera moves parallel to the subject, either following them from behind, in front, or alongside. This type of shot is commonly used to follow action, such as a character walking through a location.
5. Long tracking shot
A long tracking shot extends the tracking technique by following the subject for an extended period or distance. These shots can span across entire locations or through complex action sequences. It’s a powerful tool for creating suspense or tension, while the continuous movement adds drama and keeps the viewer engaged.
6. 360 Dolly shot
The 360 dolly shot involves moving the camera in a complete circular motion around the subject. This shot creates an immersive feeling, as it captures the full environment around the character. It’s effective for emphasizing a character’s isolation, vulnerability, or the passage of time. It is often used in scenes where the action or character's thoughts are central to the narrative.
7. Spike lee dolly shot
This shot is popularized by filmmaker Spike Lee, who often uses a combination of a dolly and a subtle tilt or zoom. This technique is characterized by its unique framing that emphasizes the characters’ emotions. Lee’s version typically involves slow, deliberate movements to draw the viewer into a scene. The main purpose is to focus intensely on the characters' facial expressions.
Equipment you need to capture a dolly shot example
To successfully capture a dolly camera movement, several key pieces of equipment are required to ensure smooth movement.
- The camera on dolly track
A camera mounted on a dolly moves smoothly along a track, which enables controlled movement during the shot. This setup ensures stability and precision in framing.
- Dolly system
A dolly system includes a wheeled platform and track that allows the camera to glide smoothly. It provides a steady, controlled motion for dynamic shots.
- Tripod or stabilizer
A tripod or stabilizer is used to keep the camera steady during movement. It prevents shakes, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage.
- Smooth, adjustable wheels
The dolly requires wheels that glide smoothly along the track with adjustable settings for speed and direction.
- Operator or assistant
An operator or assistant is required to control the dolly’s movement along the track. They guide the camera smoothly, maintaining framing and motion throughout the shot.
Improve your dolly zoom shots with ease: CapCut desktop
CapCut desktop video editor provides a user-friendly platform for editing dolly zoom shots with precision. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, you can easily adjust frames, add motion blur, and stabilize your shots to create smooth, professional-looking dolly zooms in no time. CapCut also enables you to remove background and apply filters and effects. Whether you want to elaborate the dramatic effect of your dolly zoom or clean up shaky footage, CapCut provides tools to increase engagement in your video content.
Key features
- Auto frame adjustments
With the auto-reframe tool, adjust framing to keep the subject in focus during dolly zooms.
- Instantly remove video background
Remove distracting backgrounds to emphasize the subject, perfect for isolating key elements in dolly shots.
- Stabilize video in one click
Use a video stabilizer to improve shaky footage, which ensures smooth dolly zoom movements.
- Add motion blur to clips
Increase the sense of speed and movement in dolly zooms with customizable motion blur effects.
- Versatile filters and effects
Apply video filters and effects to intensify the emotional impact of your dolly zoom shots.
How to enhance a dolly shot in CapCut
Before you start, make sure you have the latest version of CapCut. However, if you haven't installed it yet, click the download link below to get started.
- STEP 1
- Import the video
Open CapCut and create a new project. Click the "Import" to upload your video. Select the video file that contains your dolly shot from your computer and import it into the timeline.
- STEP 2
- Trim, stabilize, and edit the dolly shot
Next, trim your video by dragging the clip’s edges in the timeline to remove any unwanted footage. To stabilize shaky movement in the dolly shot, click the "Stabilize" tool in the right editing panel and adjust the settings to smooth out the footage. If you want to remove the background from your clip, click on "Auto removal." Use the "Auto reframe" tool to keep your subject centered as the camera moves. You can also apply video filters and effects to increase the visual style and mood of the shot.
- STEP 3
- Export and share
Once you have finished editing, click the Export button at the top-right corner. Choose the resolution (1080p for high quality), format (MP4 is recommended), bitrate, and codec. Finally, click "Export" again to export the video. You can also share it on your TikTok and YouTube.
Conclusion
To sum up, the dolly camera movement in filmmaking plays a crucial role in expressing visual storytelling, adding dynamic movement and emotional depth to scenes. The ability to smoothly move the camera can transform a simple scene into something memorable.
If you're looking to perfect your dolly shots, you can use the CapCut desktop video editor. This software enables you to draw attention to your footage and achieve professional results without any complex editing.
FAQs
- 1
- What makes a good dolly shot example in film?
A good dolly shot example in the film is one that effectively uses smooth camera movement to reveal important details in a scene. To achieve this, editing plays a key role—tools like the CapCut desktop video editor can help stabilize shaky footage, adjust framing, and apply motion effects for a professional look.
- 2
- What is the best example of a dolly shot in videography?
One of the best examples of a dolly shot in videography is the iconic scene from Goodfellas (1990), where the camera moves seamlessly through the restaurant. This shot is a masterclass in using smooth movement to build tension and immersion. If you want to add zoom-in and out effects to your videos, the CapCut desktop video editor is a great tool. Furthermore, it provides motion blur and auto-reframing tools to make it easier to achieve cinematic results.
- 3
- How do dolly shots differ from tracking shots?
A dolly shot involves the camera moving towards or away from a subject, while a tracking shot typically follows a subject along a horizontal or diagonal path. Both techniques add depth and dynamism to a scene. However, the CapCut desktop video editor provides you with powerful tools to perfect these movements in post-production, allowing you to apply different dolly shots and refine your footage with ease.
