I've been searching through Google quite vigorously trying to find any articles or studies of how established directors use focal length for dramatic storytelling.
For example: In the opening scene of E.T. when Elliot goes out to get the pizza we get two shots, one wide (establishing) shot of the pizza car and the house in his neighborhood, and another wide shot through a telephoto lens (150 mm?) which flattens Elliot against his home, making him seem small and insignificant.
I think the same could be said for many Hitchcock films.
For example: In the opening scene of E.T. when Elliot goes out to get the pizza we get two shots, one wide (establishing) shot of the pizza car and the house in his neighborhood, and another wide shot through a telephoto lens (150 mm?) which flattens Elliot against his home, making him seem small and insignificant.
I think the same could be said for many Hitchcock films.