William Wyler

William Wyler was a German-born American film director and producer known for his meticulous craftsmanship and for the performance of several classic dramatic characters in his films. Working in a variety of genres over five decades, Wyler began his career in the 1920s at Universal Studios, directing 'Hell's Heroes' in 1929. Known for his long, uncut shots and deep focus cinematography, his influential works notably include 'Mrs. Miniver' (1942), 'The Best Years of Our Lives' (1946), and 'Ben-Hur' (1959), all of which won Best Picture Oscars. During World War II, he served in the United States Army National Guard and Army Air Forces, creating renowned war documentaries. He is well-known and admired within the industry for his tenacity, perfectionism, and his control over the filming process, frequently using many retakes to capture the exact shot he desired. He was also known for his work as an 'actors' director', often aiding them in successfully conveying intense performances.