Rack Focus: The Art of Shifting Attention in Film

I first discovered the Rack Focus about 10 years ago when I was much younger, when I was watching Martin Cambell's Casino Royale. Specifically, I noticed the effect in this part of the movie (this video has a bunch of Rack Focus examples, but the one that I noticed was at 0:11):

Immediately, I realized that I'd need to figure out how to do this myself. Of course, iPhone cameras weren't quite as advanced back then, so I couldn't get it to work the way I wanted. But when I borrowed my dad's DSLR, I found a useful new tool for my filmmaking hobby.

What Is Rack Focus?

Rack focus is a cinematic technique where the focus shifts from one subject to another within the same shot - typically from the foreground to the background or vice versa. It's not just a technical move; it's a storytelling tool. Here's a simple example I filmed in a minute on my iPhone:

By guiding the viewer's attention from one element to another, directors and cinematographers can create tension, reveal new information, or underscore emotional beats without cutting away.

In that Casino Royale scene, the focus pulls from Bond's target to Bond himself - a subtle but powerful way of familiarizing the viewer with the target, and then shifting back to the subject of interest, Bond. The shift gives us a glimpse into Bond's POV, and makes us feel like we too, are following the subject.

When Is Rack Focus Used?

Rack focus is most effective when there's a deliberate need to redirect the audience's attention without cutting to a new angle. It's a technique used to:

• Reveal a narrative shift (e.g. discovering something or someone previously unnoticed)
• Express a character's shifting focus, often reflecting their thoughts or emotions
• Or build visual contrast between two elements - like power vs vulnerability, observer vs observed

In one of my favorite movies, The Social Network, during the tense deposition scene, the focus shifts between Mark Zuckerberg and the lawyers questioning him. Instead of constantly cutting between close-ups, the camera stays still while the focus glides between characters. That subtle shift emphasizes the growing tension - and Zuckerberg's emotional detachment - far more effectively than a barrage of edits ever could.

How to Execute a Rack Focus (and What to Watch Out For)

Pulling off a clean rack focus isn't just about twisting the focus ring - it requires intention, coordination, and the right gear.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Distance Between Subjects

The more separation you have between your foreground and background subjects, the more dramatic the rack focus will feel. If they're too close together, the shift can feel subtle or even go unnoticed.

2. Aperture Settings (f-stop)

Rack focus works best with a shallow depth of field (lower f-stop like f/2.8 or lower). A wide aperture ensures that only one plane is sharp at a time, which makes the shift in focus feel bold and pronounced. But beware: the shallower the depth of field, the harder it is to hit exact focus marks.

3. Use of a Focus Puller

On professional sets, a 1st AC (focus puller) is often in charge of executing the rack. They'll mark distances with precision and sometimes even use a follow focus system to hit those marks smoothly. On smaller sets, you might need to plan your blocking and rehearsal carefully to make sure you don't miss the moment (get those tape markings right!)

4. Lens Choice Matters

Longer lenses (e.g. 85mm or 100mm) exaggerate the focus shift more dramatically, which can be great for storytelling - but they also make it more difficult to keep your subject in sharp focus.

5. Rehearse the Timing

A great rack focus is about when the shift happens. Too early, and you miss the impact. Too late, and the audience already looked away. Practice it like choreography - rhythm and pacing are everything.