In this useful entry in Bloomsbury's Film Theory in Practice series, Neroni (The Subject of Torture) clearly and helpfully explains concepts that are important to feminist film theory, using French director Agnès Varda's 1962 film Cléo from 5 to 7 as a case study … Cléo is a rich subject for study, and the author's analysis is nuanced … the work's accessibility makes this an invaluable primer on film theory. One hopes the rest of the series is just as well executed and that Neroni's voice will often be heard in future.

Publishers Weekly

Neroni's eloquent prose educates the novice while delighting the expert. Through a deft analysis of the contradictions of femininity-particularly the conflicting ideals of sexuality and motherhood-Neroni brings to life key concerns of feminist film theory, including identification, engagement, ideology, desire, and the cinematic framing of the female body. Her subtle interpretation of Agnès Varda as a female auteur is feminist film theory at its most compelling: a dazzling addition to the theoretical tradition her volume explicates.

Mari Ruti, Professor of Critical Theory, University of Toronto, Canada, and author of The Age of Scientific Sexism

A highly engaging and incisive introduction to the history of feminism and feminist film theory that explores their role for contemporary debates and feminist film practice through lucid and subtle discussion of a range of women film-makers.

Elizabeth Cowie, Professor Emeritus of Film Studies, University of Kent, UK

…Neroni's text will appeal to many since its approach is both general and specific in its concise review of previous research and trends in the field as well as its presentation of new perspectives … a must-read in French feminist film theory courses.

The French Review