I think we can all agree that “foreign” filmmakers bring a little something extra to the table regarding Character and Tone. Do you have an opinion as to “why”? Can you name an American Filmmaker who is closest?

Heath
http://theheathblog.blogspot.com/

I think many American filmmakers have tried to create that European tone, particularly the indie filmmakers.  Woody Allen flirted with is years ago with films like “Interiors.”

Strangely, I liked the loose structure that Cameron Crowe brings to his films.  Not sure if it’s Foreign, but it’s not typically American.  I also saw a film the other night called “Bella” that was just released in New York, and I felt like it had a slightly European flavor, even though it was filmed in New York. 

Tom

What about African film - so many countries there, I find that exciting...And an American(?) film,
‘Help Is Coming’ a short from Now Film Festival (http://www.nowfilmfestival.com/index.php) about Katrina, has quite an African flavour, albeit the director is well-travelled but American I think - it’s about New Orleans, somewhat experimental/experiential, but I find something in its tone far more compelling than the dramas created to be ‘as good as’ others that have been done before, or to prove a point on someones CV.....
Not to mention South America and Asia...City of God, etc..