What is deep-focus composition in the films made by William Wyler and Gregg Toland?

Deep-focus composition is a photographic technique in filmmaking characterized by a great depth of field, which allows objects in both the foreground and the background to remain in sharp focus simultaneously.1

In the context of the collaboration between director William Wyler and cinematographer Gregg Toland, this technique became a hallmark of Wyler’s filmmaking craft. By utilizing deep focus, Wyler and Toland were able to stage complex scenes where multiple layers of action could occur within a single frame, enhancing the visual depth and narrative complexity of their work. This partnership, which began with the 1936 film These Three, allowed for a sophisticated visual style that became an essential element of Wyler’s directorial signature throughout their influential collaborations.23