Visuals are a key element to films. While the movie certainly isn't 100% reliant on a good look, it can be key to making sure the movie sticks in the mind of the audience. Sometimes visuals are special effects in the movie, other times it can be the set design, the landscape, the costumes, or even makeup or the sheer amount of extras in a scene! There are countless ways directors and cinematographers have found unique and interesting ways to make sure we all remember their movies. So in honor of that effort, we'll be taking a look - in chronological order - at fifteen of the films that best utilized the visual aspect of themselves. We'll be beginning all the way back in 1916 with...
15. Intolerance (1916)
Intolerance was directed by D.W. Griffith, a legendary filmmaker best known (up to that point) for making 'Birth of a Nation' which went on to become to highest-grossing film of all time. In response to that film, he began work on one of the first motion picture epics... 'Intolerance'. It cost an astronomical amount of money and became the most expensive movie made to that point. While the film received stellar reviews, not even that can compare to the sheer spectacle of the film. Thousands of extras, each with period-appropriate costumes, and some enormous sets (seen above). The money was used well. Unfortunately, the financial burden was so great it caused the collapse of the studio. Nonetheless, great and memorable film. Highly recommended for any fan of silent films or spectacle.