Observer film critic Mark Kermode brought the question of the internet and the future of film criticism to the Duke of York’s Picturehouse on Monday as part of an eight-date book tour.

In excerpts from his book Hatchet Job: Love Movies, Hate Critics, Kermode questioned whether the age of anonymous tweeting and blogging was damaging the validity of the critic.

According to Kermode, “The worst thing and the best thing about the internet is that everyone has access to it.”

The problem, he believes, is accountability.

“When you’re anonymous, what you say has no repercussions. If criticism is to work, the critic has to have something to lose. In print, your job or reputation is on the line.”

Kermode took questions and treated the audience to his now famous Danny Dyer impression.

“I would not say anything in a review that I would not say to someone’s face,” said Kermode, before explaining that friendships with filmmakers and actors are generally a no-no.

“It comes with the job. Critics need to be accountable. How else can they build trust with their readers?”

Despite his suspicion of technology – he says he can barely work his mobile phone – Kermode insists that the next generation of critics will come from the internet.

“The online critics I see now who are doing really well are the ones who are applying the same rules: they know the importance of editors, have no time for anonymity and are not afraid to put their name to what they write.”