why is Tom an American?

Well, I think Tom represents what America is to the British at that point in time: England, still there after hundreds of years, nearly choking of tradition under the monarchy as opposed to this country of radicals where decency is something less important.

Julia being in the state of mind of looking at herself, growing old, Tom is this young, radical sexy thing, which we know hits her like a hurricane.

Him being american makes the flavour of the story fresh and exciting.

I think young english boys would have been less captivated by her, and her attraction would have been less

Think about this: I'm currently sleeping with a young man in centre-fold condition ... americn *wiggles the eyebrows*

I was surprised Tom was an 'american'...because his english accent was so obvious... it was a little hard to believe him as american...(and a bit annoying too)

If they wanted Tom to be an american...I wonder why they didn't just cast an american for the role...or at least cast someone who could talk 'american'.

I DID enjoy the film...I just wish they hadn't claimed Tom was a 'yank'. Or ...I wish they had cast someone a tad more believable.