Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film (2006)

Great Film overall

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I can't even begin to describe my feelings for this extremely informative, and entertaining documentary. Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of The Slasher Film is an amazing look at the critically panned, but successful genre of horror, "the slasher genre" to be specific. The slasher genre is probably my second favorite genre, first being the situation dialog world of film. If I become a critic, a dream I hope I will fulfill, I can assure you I will be the only critic who gives a positive review to a slasher film. Remakes will not live by that rule.The film is mainly about how slashers had their fifteen minutes of fame starting in the late seventies with the film Halloween (of course there were dozens that preceded this, but this was the first that got a lot of recognition. And the first to come to fan's mind when hearing the term). A countless number of slasher followed, but none of which really seemed to catch on, like Don't Go in the Woods Alone and He Knows When You're Alone.Friday the 13th came out in 1980, and that was the next big horror film that spawned a countless number of sequels. And it became a box office success in no time. The next biggie was A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. The slasher that would spawn another line of sequels, and a crossover with F13's Jason Voorhees in 2003.The one thing about the film is it not only goes into the bigger, more well known icons of the horror genre, but also the smaller ones that were sometimes made by companies that no longer exist now. When Halloween and F13 came out, other companies and sometimes just regular people would go and make a slasher film. Why not? It's cheap entertainment! You don't need a big budget, a whole lot of script, good actors, or even a moral. Just have some traumatized kid grow up to be a traumatized adult that goes around killing everyone for reasons you can't quite explain. I guarantee, it will have a following of some kind.The film features three of the horror greats that I can't get enough of; John Carpenter, Wes Craven, and Tom Savini. Carpenter is the director of Halloween, Craven is the director of A Nightmare on Elm Street and dozens more cult films, and Tom Savini is the makeup artist on films like The Burning, Friday the 13th, and Maniac. Rob Zombie and others make appearances as well.The film was made in 2006 I believe, so around that time there weren't a whole lot of remakes out, which I'll be the first to say this ever, was a bit disappointing since I wanted to hear what the directors of the films would say about their films being remade. Most of them poorly. At least we hear a few moments of Zombie explaining his Halloween, but that's about it.While the movie spits facts like none other, it doesn't really get into the way these films made people feel. In the eighties, people weren't used to these movies, and many were freaked when seeing them in the theaters. I wish they would've shown some footage of people in the theater watching these films, or just the directors talking about the first time they saw a Horror film. That would've made the film a four star film.My favorite segment hands down was when they discussed Silent Night, Deadly Night's boycotts, and overreactions from uptight parents. Seriously, this movie wasn't in the theaters very long because of parents who didn't know what the form of "dark entertainment" was. Why didn't they boycott a movie that was released four years earlier called Christmas Evil? Nothing pisses me off more than parents that overreact to something, and prevent others from enjoying it.One lady on this documentary, Felissa Rose I believe, stated that if her daughter saw the trailer to this film she would explain what kind of entertainment there is in the world, and why it's a work of fiction. Not make a damn picket sign, and stand in front of a theater in the subzero weather because you get offended when you see something that is likely to be out of kid's heads come the holiday season.Aside from simple flaws, Going to Pieces is highly educated and an informative look at a genre that should go anywhere but "to pieces".Starring: John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Tom Savini, Felissa Rose, Sean S. Cunningham, and Jeff Katz.

"Going To Pieces: The Rise And Fall Of The Slasher Films" is more than just a documentary, it's a legacy for the fans. But even for the 'non-fans' it is very intriguing, interesting and entertaining. For them, most information is new and it is the perfect blueprint of a piece of history. What is the attraction of slasher-movies to the fans ? Is it normal to totally adore these films ? Which titles where the real classics ? What was the downfall and whose fault was it really ? Which movie was so controversial that it in fact killed the genre ? The influence of the government on films, etc, etc..Even for the slasher-fans, this docu presents new info. Like a lot of fans, I also grew up with the : "Friday" and "Halloween" films and I am still a huge fan of those movies. But there are also a couple of "forgotten" slashers which might have slipped your attention throughout the years. The sub genre was resurrected, not once but twice in a big way. Even for those who have seen all the "halloween" and "Friday 13th" documentaries, those who have all the background stories on special effects masters like Savini and Nicotero. Those who already own the special features interviews by Cunningham, Craven or Carpenter: "Going to Pieces" is the one you STILL have to see. Because they are only a few of the known names in here. Ever hear the female director of "Slumber Party Massacre" defend the genre ?" Or The director from the classic "My Bloody Valentine", or "April Fool's Day" ? Did not think so.. Since it was released in 2006, the last movies covered are "Hostel" and the first "Saw". We all know that horror is back in a big way since than. The last 5 years have once again been big for the genre. See what happened before that. In a nutshell: One of the best and most complete documentaries EVER..

I grew up on slasher films, namely the 'Halloween,' 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Friday the 13th' series. I also liked the 'Hellraiser,' 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' 'Sleepaway Camp' and 'Child's Play' series. So, watching 'Going to Pieces – The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film' was like reliving my childhood. Well, for what I could get my hands on and actually see being brought up in a Christian, anti-horror (also called trash) films. Sure anyone could put together clips and talk about them, but this film displays great style with the original actors, creators and shows no limits with the film spots. In other words, they don't censor the nudity, gore and violence. I respected them for that. For not making a PG or PG-13 documentary as these are kiddie movies. Though I didn't learn much more (okay, a little) than I already knew, it was great to relive these movies and in a very interesting timeline from the start of these films (I think it was 'Black Christmas') to 'Freddy Vs. Jason.' Unfortunately, the 'rise/fall' they speak of doesn't really end there, in fact, Rob Zombie is one of the interviewees and this was obviously made before his 'Halloween' reimagining. The extras on the DVD include extended interviews, and though somewhat interesting (aside from the 'Psycho' rambling) I'm glad they chose not to bog down the perfectly paced documentary with extra fluff. Though not too many more has been made since this 2006 release, I actually yearn for a sequel as, I believe there is more to say/show, such as any of the Child's Play' or 'Hellraiser' series (or pending remake) or films since, i.e. Rob Zombie's 'Halloween' or 'H2.' For any horror fan, this is the best horror documentary out there, period.

As a slasher fan for the majority of my life (my first theatrical horror was 'Jason Goes to Hell' at the age of 6), I thought 'Going to Pieces' would be a fascinating look into the subgenre. I was right.Sampling through dozens of different slashers from all different levels and featuring a collection of some of the best and most influential filmmakers in the slasher subgenre (and other sectors of horror), 'Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film' manages to be simultaneously informative and entertaining. Also, it helped out with a few slasher recommendations for those looking.There are a few problems, however. The editing is spotty, and often just bad. Also, as far as the subject material goes, it really could've and should've gone a little deeper, especially when you have that many great minds of horror in one place. Experienced horror fans won't find a lot of new information, but it is nice having it delivered in a compiled form.Overall, if you're looking for a simple & informative documentary on the history of the slasher flick, this is a good film to see.Final Verdict: 8/10.- -NOTE - If you have not seen the films listed below and do not want them spoiled, I would highly suggest staying away until you do:'April Fool's Day' (1986)'Carrie' (1976)'Friday the 13th' (1980)'Graduation Day' (1981)'Halloween' (1978)'Happy Birthday to Me' (1981)'Last House on the Left' (1972)'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)'Scream' (1996)'Sleepaway Camp' (1983)-AP3-