ABSTRACT
A subject’s apparent speed moving along the z-axis of the frame can be increased through the use of wide-angle lenses, due to the way they expand perspective; the shorter the focal length, the faster the perceived speed will appear to be. This speed manipulation can be further enhanced with the inclusion of relative size depth cues along the axis of movement, because they provide a spatial reference for how much ground is being covered by a subject. Camera movement along the x or y axes that culminates as the moving subject is closest to the lens can also amplify the speed manipulation, as can moving the camera toward an incoming or away from an outgoing moving subject, effectively counterpointing its direction along the z-axis. Director George Lucas uses this technique in THX 1138 , a science-fiction film set in a dystopian, futuristic underground society where emotion-suppressive drugs are forced-fed, sexual intercourse is outlawed, and consumerism is mandatory.
