Dolly

Definition

A dolly is a wheeled cart or similar device used in filmmaking to create smooth camera movements, allowing for dynamic shots that can enhance storytelling. This technique involves moving the camera toward or away from the subject, which can convey emotional depth, establish context, or heighten tension. Dolly shots can also be combined with other techniques, such as zooming or tilting, to create visually compelling compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dolly shots can be used to create a sense of intimacy by moving closer to a character, allowing viewers to connect with their emotions more deeply.
2. Using a dolly can also establish spatial relationships by moving away from a subject, providing context about their surroundings and the overall environment.
3. Dolly zoom, also known as the 'Vertigo effect,' combines dolly movement with simultaneous zooming to create a disorienting perspective change, often used for dramatic effect.
4. Filmmakers often use dollies on tracks to ensure smooth movement and reduce the chance of shaky footage during complex camera maneuvers.
5. The choice between using a dolly and other methods like handheld cameras can impact the film's visual style and the audience's experience of the story.

Review Questions

• How does the use of a dolly enhance the emotional impact of a scene in filmmaking?
  • A dolly enhances emotional impact by allowing filmmakers to control the distance and perspective between the camera and characters. For example, moving closer to a character during a crucial moment can create intimacy, making the audience feel more connected to their emotions. Conversely, pulling back can emphasize isolation or highlight the character's environment, both of which contribute to how viewers interpret the scene's emotional weight.
• Compare and contrast dolly shots with tracking shots in terms of their impact on visual storytelling.
  • Dolly shots involve moving the camera toward or away from a subject, creating specific emotional effects and establishing spatial relationships. Tracking shots, however, maintain parallel movement with the subject, emphasizing action and continuity. While both techniques enhance visual storytelling, dolly shots often focus on emotional connections, whereas tracking shots highlight movement and interaction within a scene. Each technique serves distinct narrative purposes that shape audience perception.
• Evaluate how different camera movement techniques, including dolly and Steadicam, affect audience engagement and perception of cinematic space.
  • Different camera movement techniques significantly influence how audiences engage with a film. Dolly shots create deliberate movements that guide viewer focus and evoke specific emotional responses. In contrast, Steadicam allows for fluidity and spontaneity in movement, giving viewers an immersive experience as if they are part of the action. Both techniques alter the perception of cinematic space; dolly shots provide a structured view of spatial relationships, while Steadicam offers a more intimate connection with characters and settings. The choice of technique shapes not only visual aesthetics but also audience immersion and emotional involvement in the narrative.

Related terms

Tracking Shot: A type of shot where the camera moves alongside the subject, often used to follow action or maintain a constant distance from the subject.

Crane Shot: A camera shot achieved by mounting the camera on a crane to create high-angle views and sweeping movements.

Steadicam: A stabilizing mount for a camera that allows for smooth movement while walking or running, offering more flexibility than a dolly.