"EO" & "Close"

Despite the occasional exception, European cinema has always felt different from American cinema. Call what they do more experimental, more serious, more thoughtful, whatever, European filmmakers—the best ones, at least—distinguish themselves by refusing to pander to mainstream tastes. This week Dan Webster, Nathan Weinbender and Mary Pat Treuthart discuss a pair of European films that are prime examples of the European filmmaking ethos. First up is the Polish-made EO followed by the Belgian-made Close.