There is an element of subjectivity in film appreciation. What the viewer brings into the experience plays an integral part. A responsible critic has developed self-awareness about predilections, biases and such and discloses them openly. Allow me to get personal for purposes of illustration.

Consider Masked and Anonymous, a film co-written by Bob Dylan and starring Dylan as a fictional legendary musician released from jail to perform in a benefit concert. If I was to review it, I would certainly mention that I consider him a poet of the highest order and that I recently spent $56 to watch him perform. I would point out that those who dislike his writing style and world view may not forgive a couple of incoherent scenes that simply don't work.

Consider the British/German co-production Buffalo Soldiers, about the shenanigans at a US Army base in Germany circa 1989. I found this irreverent satire/action hybrid quite entertaining, but I would certainly not recommend the films to Americans not in the mood to watch comedy at the expense of our military.

My favorite film of the year, along with The Son, is Sokurov's Russian Ark. A critic who respects his readers would take into account that many filmgoers are just looking for stories and point out the film does not offer what you'd call a narrative. It's a one-take tour of L'Ermitage Museum in St. Petersburg while an unseen narrator and an aristocrat discuss art, history and politics.

Awareness of self, disclosure, and respect for the reader are essential elements of good film criticism.