How did cinematographer Gregg Toland influence William Wyler's filmmaking style?

Cinematographer Gregg Toland played a pivotal role in shaping William Wyler’s filmmaking craft, most notably through his mastery of deep-focus composition. This technique, which allows for multiple planes of action to remain in sharp focus simultaneously, became a hallmark of Wyler’s visual style during their frequent collaborations.1

Their partnership began with These Three (1936) and continued through several notable films, including Dead End (1937), Wuthering Heights (1939), The Westerner (1940), and The Little Foxes (1941). Toland’s influence extended beyond deep focus; he was also renowned for his brilliant use of chiaroscuro (the dramatic contrast between light and dark) and his ability to capture brooding, atmospheric landscapes, as seen in The Westerner.123

By integrating these sophisticated technical elements, Toland helped Wyler achieve the "high degree of technical polish" and relentless pursuit of realism that defined Wyler's work as a director. Their collaboration was highly acclaimed, with Toland winning an Academy Award for his cinematography on Wuthering Heights.412