What kind of special effect did Alfred Hitchcock use in this scene for "The Lady Vanishes"?
The shot from The Lady Vanishes I am talking about is when Iris looks back to say goodbye to her friends after getting clonk on the head. She was feeling dizzy when she got on the train.
Can you let me know the actual name of this effect or how Alfred Hitchcock shot this? This is for my research project. I thought it was interesting since I do not see this in modern films. Does anyone know if Alfred Hitchcock was the first person to use this in movies as a transition?
Best Answer
It's done using a prismatic kaleidoscope filter over the lens, known as a multi-image filter.
They were very popular in the 60s & 70s for 'flower power/drugs/music video' type shots, often rotating the filter as the camera rolled, to make it even more 'dreamy'.
Their popularity declined in later years - same as anything else, it just became passé, "been there, done that, worn the t-shirt out".
I have no idea who may have been first to use such a filter.
See this question & answer at our Photography sister site - What is this physical filter, shaped like a shallow pyramid? - elements copied below…
This is a small version for a stills camera, but they could be made in any size.
Pictures about "What kind of special effect did Alfred Hitchcock use in this scene for "The Lady Vanishes"?"
What techniques did Alfred Hitchcock use?
Hitchcock used the MacGuffin technique in many of his films. Image via Wikicommons. The reason Hitchcock's name is synonymous with the MacGuffin is due to the director's heavy use of the device. Hitchcock also gave a series of lectures in which he would often talk about MacGuffins and how he used them.What is the Hitchcock effect?
The Hitchcock Zoom, or dolly zoom, is an in-camera effect that distorts perspective to create disorientation. It's often referred to as "The Vertigo Effect" because the move was the first to use it to convey Scottie's acrophobia.What does the vertigo effect do?
The Vertigo Effect is a term used to describe an optical illusion effect in film. To create the effect, the camera zooms in on a subject while at the same time moving away from him or her. This creates a disorienting effect and makes the viewer feel like they are losing their balance.The Lady Vanishes (1938) 4K Full
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