How to Do the Kubrick Zoom in Zoom Out Shot

Achieving the appearance of a zoom, in or out, will typically be achieved with a single lens. It magnifies the subject or decreases the main subject within the frame. Filmmakers use zoom in and zoom out to create a variety of visual effects. Especially depending on how they also move the camera. Or how the subject moves while the camera lens is zooming in or zooming out. One effect used by Stanley Kubrick, is commonly practiced but rarely achieved by aspiring cinematographers. 

Learning how to do the Kubrick zoom in zoom out shot is something many cinematographers aspired to achieve and attempt in their careers. But few accomplish the shot like Stanley Kubrick himself.

Sometimes called the cosmic zoom. The zoom in zoom out shot has been used in a variety of films to create optical amusement for the audience, but how?

What is the Kubrick Zoom in Zoom Out Shot?

Before you can possibly learn how to do the Kubrick zoom in zoom out shot. It makes most sense to help you see what this shot is.

Stanley Kubrick achieves some of the most incredible Zoom in Zoom out shots. And represents a unique optical image that many aspiring cinematographers wish they could master to his level.

You might recall from the introduction of Clockwork Orange where the shot goes from a closeup dolly shot to a shot that shows the whole scene, and with absolute perfection.

These close ups that are then zoomed way out to a full-shot have incredible power among the audience. But they are not easy for just any cinematographer to achieve.

How to Do the Kubrick Zoom In Zoom Out Shot

Learning how to do the Kubrick zoom in zoom out shot is a matter of largely looking at your equipment and learning how to pull focus. The focus puller measures the distance from the subject to the camera.

And will then set that distance on the barrel of the lens so that the subject is sharp.

The camera operator or another assistant will then zoom out to achieve the desired zoom in zoom out shot. With the focus puller handling the focus of the shot, and the camera operator or another assistant handling the zoom, the perfect zoom in zoom out is achieved.

Multiple Variables

But, what if you’re learning how to do the Kubrick zoom in zoom out shot on your own? And you don’t have a focus puller or an assistant? You might quickly notice that there are a lot of variables here and that there’s a lot to worry about.

Unlike Kubrick working the set, where he tells his DOP, camera operator, and assistants on set what he wants to achieve. You’re working single handedly which is certainly going to make it more challenging.

Also, on the set, a very expensive parfocal zoom lens is used for shots like this. A lens that costs tens of thousands of dollars.

Thus, achieving the same level, and quality of a Kubrick zoom in zoom out shot by hand, as an amateur with amateur equipment, and without the support of a focus puller, is likely to result in a much different ending.

For best results

Practice the shot first and try marking the start and end focus on your camera’s focus ring. This way, you won’t have to guess while you’re actually trying to figure out how to do the Kubrick zoom in zoom out shot on your own.

Then, practice moving and pulling focus. If you can employ the help of a friend to pull focus while you’re moving, that would be a bonus.

However, if you’re hoping for the true effect of the Kubrick zoom in zoom out shot without expensive equipment and experience, you’re probably out of luck.