As we assembled our list of the top 100 influential figures in American history, we asked critic David Thomson whom he sees as America’s most influential filmmakers. Here are his Top Five:
See below for more on America’s most influential musicians, critics, architects, and poets—along with The Atlantic’s full list of the 100 most influential figures in American history, the top living influentials, and more.
David Thomson is the author of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film. His most recent book is Nicole Kidman (Knopf).
April 2013 
March 2013 
Jan/Feb 2013 
December 2012 
November 2012 
October 2012 
September 2012 
July/Aug 2012 
Join the Discussion
After you comment, click Post. If you’re not already logged in you will be asked to log in or register. blog comments powered by Disqus