FORCED PERSPECTIVE


"Forced perspective is a technique which employs optical illusion to make an object appear farther away, closer, larger or smaller than it actually is. It manipulates human visual perception through the use of scaled objects and the correlation between them and the vantage point of the spectator or camera. It has uses in photography, filmmaking and architecture."



Staged Shot
forced perspective miniature cars second

Camera is placed close at direct eye level of table to attain the effect.

Completed Shot
forced perspective miniature cars first

Vehicles appear life-size and aligned with the street.





TECHNIQUES:

- Place object or subject closer to camera for a much bigger effect
- Place object or subject farther from the camera for smaller effect
- Use a wide angle lens (anything less than 35mm)
- Use a narrow aperture such as f/16


EXAMPLES IN FILM:

The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003). Compared to Frodo, Gandalf was to be massive in size. The crew had to carefully stage their shots with Ian McKellan to complete the illusion. Will Farrell's character in Elf (2003) also was to be much larger than the other elves, using the same technique as with the Lord of the Rings. An example of the difference in depth Farrell was to the other actors, compared to what the camera displayed. The Helicopter in the Wolf of Wall Street (2013) was actually a 1/6 scale chopper, despite what the film may make it out to be. The close up shot of the helicopter compared to the actors in the background created the illusion.