Poll: Prophets in Their Countries

Results of 419 votes:

1. 1.
   

   Alfred Hitchcock

    

   Hitchcock established himself as a prominent figure in American cinema, but it was not until young French critics and directors praised him that he was being taken seriously as an artist in the countr…
2. 2.
   

   Akira Kurosawa

    

   His western-influenced films made him the most accessible Japanese director to American audiences; for the same reason he was deemed "not Japanese enough" at home, where his career suffered …
3. 3.
   

   Werner Herzog

    

   Among and by his contemporaries, Herzog was rejected and seen either as too apolitical, or even as a reactionary. Neither did he enjoy commercial success in Germany, even when "Aguirre, the Wrath…
4. 4.
   

   Takeshi Kitano

    

   The Japanese know him as a fast-talking and silly comedian, while international audiences are perhaps more familiar with him as a stoic actor and director of ambitious films.
5. 5.
   

   Howard Hawks

    

   While successful as a Hollywood craftsman competent in several genres, Hawks' reputation as an important auteur was established by French directors of the Nouvelle Vague.
6. 6.
   

   John Cassavetes

    

   In the United States, Cassavetes was more well-known for his acting roles in genre films, which financed his directorial works. His artistic independence made him an outsider in Hollywood but was bett…
7. 7.
   

   Jerry Lewis

    

   Considered a lowbrow comedian in America, he is more revered in France. Jean-Luc Godard praised his movies as being better than Charlie Chaplin's.
8. 8.
   

   Nicholas Ray

    

   Ray's most popular film, "Rebel Without a Cause", was dominated by its star James Dean, but his smaller works were redeemed by young directors and critics from Europe (especially France).