I am neither dispassionate nor an automaton. Controlling your emotions is not the same as having no emotion. I believe that good criticism relies on rational, objective debate. It is a discussion of the virtues and the flaws of a work that is important, not simply arguing for or against a film’s basic premise. And everyone is entitled – as a viewer/critic – to their own opinion based on their unique experiences, tastes and predilections. But they must make these clear, and be able to defend their position.
On another topic entirely, when I have more time, I’d like to discuss Goya’s ‘Saturn devouring his children’…to be continued…
