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

"Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film" is a riveting journey through the history and evolution of the slasher film genre. Beginning with iconic classics like "Halloween," "Friday the 13th," and "Prom Night," the film invites viewers into a world of suspense and terror, enriched with insightful commentary from the very creators who breathed life into these chilling narratives. As the voyage progresses, it delves into the Reagan era, a time when the genre was transformed by an influx of high-gore content and dwindling budgets. During this period, the appeal of slasher films began to fade, only to be resurrected by the arrival of "Nightmare on Elm Street," a shocker that redefined the genre. The journey continues, leaping to the late 90s, a time when the genre was revolutionized yet again by the film "Scream," a unique blend of humor, horror, and celebrity allure. Despite facing criticism for alleged misogyny from famed critics like Siskel and Ebert, the film explores the voices of those who champion the genre. In the words of one commentator, the longevity of slasher films is assured because as long as there are teenagers, these films will continue to exist. "Going to Pieces" thus serves as a tantalizing exploration of a genre that refuses to die, much like its unforgettable villains.

Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film is a documentary movie featuring Ed Green and directed by Jeff McQueen.

Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film on Amazon Video.