20 Perfect Shots From Oscar Winning Movies

17. Jaws - Dolly Zoom

Jaws Vertigo Zoom
Universal

The dolly zoom, or the "Vertigo zoom" as it's often called, is a terrifically inventive shot that is typically used to convey terror or extreme discomfort, to the point that it's basically a cliche these days.

Typically it is achieved by pulling the camera backwards while zooming in, to create conflicting planes of movement on screen that seems unnatural to the viewer. For instance, the background may appear to get further away while zooming in on a person in the middle of the frame.

Steven Spielberg used the dolly zoom to tremendous effect in his magnificent 1975 blockbuster, as poor young Alex Kintner is devoured by the shark and Spielberg cuts to Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), who is filled with sheer soul-stirring terror as the s*** totally hits the fan.

While over-used now, Spielberg made an art out of the dolly zoom with this unforgettable shot.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.