How did Italian Neo-Realism relate to American filmmakers?

Italian Neo-Realism was considered "cool" to American filmmakers because it introduced a fresh perspective and innovative techniques that captivated their interest. This movement, which emerged in the aftermath of World War II, focused on storytelling grounded in the everyday lives of ordinary people, often using non-professional actors and real locations. The raw authenticity and emotional depth of films like "Rome, Open City" and "Bicycle Thieves" inspired many American directors to explore similar themes of realism and social issues within their own works.

Subsequently, filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola noted the influence of Neo-Realism in their styles. They admired how the Italian filmmakers brought forth genuine human experiences, prompting a wave of creative exploration in American cinema as filmmakers experimented with more grounded narratives and visual storytelling that reflected societal challenges. This mutual admiration led to a cross-pollination of ideas, resulting in lasting impacts that shaped the evolution of American filmmaking techniques and narratives.