iris-in

Definition

1. Noun (Cinematography):
   • A type of wipe transition: "iris-in" refers to a cinematic technique where a scene begins with a small, expanding circle (or iris) that gradually opens to reveal the full image. It is the opposite of an "iris-out," where the scene closes into a small circle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The film used an iris-in to introduce the main character. (The scene started with a small circle that expanded to show the character.)
  • Old silent movies often employed an iris-in for dramatic effect. (This technique was common in early cinema to focus attention.)

Advanced Usage

• "iris-in effect": The specific visual result of using an iris-in transition.
  • The director chose an iris-in effect to create a sense of mystery. (The expanding circle drew the viewer's focus to the center of the frame.)

Variants and Related Words

• Iris-out (n): the opposite transition, where the image closes into a shrinking circle.

  • The scene ended with an iris-out, fading to black. (The circle narrowed until the image disappeared.)

• Iris wipe (n): a broader term for any transition using a circular shape.

  • The editor applied an iris wipe between the two scenes. (A circular shape moved across the screen to change the view.)

Synonyms

• Circle wipe: a transition effect that uses a circular shape.
• Iris transition: a general term for this cinematic technique.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms are directly associated with "iris-in"; it is a technical term specific to film editing.)