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In The Departed (2006), before meeting Dignam and Queenan in the Special Investigation Unit building, Sullivan is framed in a small circle as he stands near a traffic signal, which enlarges to full screen:

enter image description here

What's the meaning of this effect?

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    If they didn't zoom out from him, you wouldn't know what you're supposed to be looking at. Are you supposed to be looking at the car? The lamppost? The smoking bystander?
    – Valorum
    Commented Jul 17, 2023 at 11:22

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An iris shot is a technique used [...] to emphasize a detail of a scene above all others, more commonly to end or open a scene. Iris shots are also used to put emphasis on a particular aspect of film, usually something of importance.

This isn't a technique that's used a lot nowadays as it's more of an old-fashion way to emphasize. It can also be a tribute to the "old days" too.

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    Holy attention grabber, Batman! Pow! Bammm!
    – Tetsujin
    Commented Jul 17, 2023 at 17:48

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