An accessible introduction to the concept of desire, and a coherent critique of the competing theorizations of desire within contemporary theory, this book explores competing theories of desire within contemporary theory, tracing the concept's evolution through Freud, to feminist theory, to film representation. Its historical approach provides a narrative of competing theories. It draws on contemporary film and TV examples, such as In the Mood for Love, Safe and Sex and the City, to deepen our understanding of desire as it is presented on screen.What is the nature of desire? This books gives an accessible introduction to the concept, and a coherent critique of the competing theories of desire within contemporary theory. Through analysis of representations of desire in television and films, it considers ways in which the concept is theorized and presented on screen.