Kristeva in Focus: From Theory to Film Analysis draws on the theories of French psychoanalyst Julia Kristeva to shed light on some of the major themes in film narratives. The author looks at how new narratives emerge, and considers the sources of our variable reactions to themes and representations of horror, strangers, and love. Kristeva in Focus offers a thorough introduction to Julia Kristeva's work. While it clearly demonstrates how these may be applied to film analysis, it is also an excellent general introduction to Kristeva's main concepts. The major films for analysis are a set that attracted the label New Wave New Zealand films": Alison Maclean's Kitchen Sink and Crush; Vincent Ward's Vigil; Jane Campion's Sweetie, An Angel At My Table, and The Piano.