10 Most Visually Stunning War Films Of All Time

6. Dunkirk (Hoyte Van Hoytema)

Wizard of oz
Warner Bros.

Christopher Nolan arguably helped redefine the modern superhero film with his efforts on The Dark Knight Trilogy and then made highbrow sci-fi concepts accessible with his work on Inception and Interstellar - but his greatest trick so far may be never showing the faces of the enemies in his tautly constructed masterpiece Dunkirk.

Following the attempts to liberate and rescue British forces trapped in northern France from the fateful locale across three perspectives - land, sea and air - it saw the director reunite with Interstellar cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who will also be behind the camera for his upcoming return Tenet.

Following perennial Nolan favourite Wally Pfister was no small feat but the Swiss veteran proved more than up to the task in space and arguably eclipses his work there with this nerve-rattling construction. From the bowels of a sinking ship, to his visions of the wide-open English Channel, to his teeth-knocking intimacy within the cockpit of a Spitfire, he captures multiple visions of warfare with an intrinsic beauty, one that - given its unique approach to the genre - plays more on the thriller aspects than the suffering of its conflict.

Contributor

Something of a culture vulture, Mr Steel can historically be found in three places; the local cinema, the local stadium or the local chip shop. He is an avowed fan of franchise films, amateur cricket and power-chords.