The Dynamic Frame: Camera Movement in Classical Hollywood

Intro.1 Phantom Lady

Compare this shot with the example from Mrs. Miniver (Intro.2). Both demonstrate the same convention, dollying in to a subject's face during a moment of recognition. But the expressive effects are completely different. In Phantom Lady, Kansas comes up with a new plan in a flash, and the dolly zips from medium long shot to close-up in less than three seconds. The vigorous dolly-in expresses not just what it feels like to have an idea, but also what it feels like to have such an idea in the middle of a bustling modern city.

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