The Contra-Zoom

[The Woddler]

Smart effect or over-used piece of pop promo rubbish???

My general feeling is that it can be used to good effect (Vertigo, Goodfellas, Jaws, La Haine) but is now too ubiquitous, and frequently misused by talentless commercial directors.

I saw Kassovitz's recent effort, Crimson Rivers, the other night (nice visuals, shame about everything else) and was disappointed to see that he felt the need to use it again. I sorta felt it undermined his magnificant contra-zoom in La Haine.

W

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[deanl]

Hey there.

I beleive if the scene calls for it and its being used for a reason. Not just for the "hey that looks fuckin cool" value. Then yeah go ahead and use it. All those films you mentioned (The Goodfellas shot is an amazing example. Most people dont even know its there but it totaly adds to the scene) used the shot for a reason to get something else accross other than a cool looking shot.

Also I wouldnt, not use the shot just because someone thinks its overused. If everyone wants to do it then let them. It will just mean that mine will be the only one thats good and that works because it will be used to add to the scene not just for the sake of it.

A stretch is like a 12 inch black rubber dildo.... You know. Only for special occasions. Well maybe thats just me.

Despin out.

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"Ive got bad feeling about this."

[This message has been edited by Despin entertainment (edited February 11, 2002).]

[deanl]

Hey there.

I think that shot in the Fellowship Of The Ring is the first time Ive seen this shot used without anyting being in the foreground. It worked great.

Despin out.

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"Ive got bad feeling about this."

[dtgs1980]

although it's almost turned into a tacky little trick to show off, it still has the power to amaze, and further the story when it's done well, and in the right places...
the shot in vertigo is absolutely awesomely done, showing jimmy stewarts fear of heights perfectly. as for the best shot technically, it's gotta be in la heine, when they're standing on the bridge... awesome.
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"the first rule of fight club is..."

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dan

[hairbrain]

I previously felt that this was a horrible cheap trick (I don't like it in Jaws nor Goodfellers either) but..... was relly suprised to see how fresh it looked when Peter Jackson used it in Lord of The Rings.

I've got the feeling there's more to be done yet with this camera move than has been explored as yet.

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[Vlad the Impaler]

i never noticed this shot in LOTR, where abouts was it?

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One Ring to rule them all

[deanl]

Hey there.

Just after the Hobbits fall down the hill and find the mushrooms. Sam, Pippin and the other little fella are collecting the mushrooms when Frodo stands in the middle of the road and looks down Peter Jackson does a stretch while looking at the road. It compresses all the woods and road together and gives a feeling of something being not quite right.


Its the first time Ive seen the effect used with nothing placed in the forground.

Despin out.

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"Ive got bad feeling about this."

[miker]

they called this the trombone shot in my day. sigh.

fetch the gizmo and flag the dingle, short legs and long lens. leave the scrim cos if the bubble pops and the barn doors are open ... damn, we need someone to bash that cable.

wind reel and print!

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[Mods]

Ehm, I tend not to use zoom. However, the good ol' track forward on a subject and zoom out effect is sweet.

Other than that, not sure what i'd use zoom for :/


Mods

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Mark "Mods" Lovegrove