This documentary on how the horror slasher craze peaked in the early 1980's only to fizzle at the end of that particular era prior to being revitalized in the mid-1990's by the smash success of "Scream" may not cover much in the way of fresh ground on the subject, but it nonetheless does offer a wealth of fun information and insightful observations on this much maligned sub-genre just the same. Naturally, "Psycho," "Halloween," and "Friday the 13th" are noted as the three key trailblazers in the slasher genre, plus there's some choice excerpts of Siskel and Ebert's legendary early 1980's PBS program in which they raked slasher movies through the coals and even some extraordinary vintage newsreel footage of angry parents picketing theaters showing the notorious "Silent Night, Deadly Night." Better still, such lesser known entries as "Graduation Day," "The Prowler," and "He Knows You're Alone" are given a little attention as well as various Canadian cash-ins like "Prom Night," "My Bloody Valentine," and "Happy Birthday to Me." The interviews are quite good, with John Carpenter, "Sleepaway Camp" star Felissa Rose, Wes Craven, Rob Zombie, "Slumber Party Massacre" director Amy Jones, former Fangoria magazine editor/publisher Tony Timpone, make-up ace Tom Savini, and producer John Dunning in particular all saying some spot-on incisive comments on how horror pictures address the darker aspects of human nature and serve as reflections on society at any given point in time (for example, the whole have sex and die cliché in 80's body count flicks was emblematic of the AIDS epidemic that was causing dread and fear in people throughout the country in that decade). Although not without its flaws (neither "Black Christmas" nor "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" are mentioned by name), this doc overall provides an enjoyable and enlightening overview on slice'n'dice cinema.

Superbly researched, beautifully edited, expertly written, and a tremendous tribute to the horror genre unlike anything ever produced before. The overwhelming facts, clips, trivia, and expert commentary who were part of making these films flood the screen. It is a documentary not to missed by anyone interested in the genre as well as a any student of cinema. The artistry of these motion pictures will shock viewers and anyone who sees it will come away with a true appreciation of the writers, producers, directors, and actors who made this unique form of cinematic expression possible. A true American art, the genius, the imagination, and the ultimate beauty of these films have finally been given monument they deserve.

An awesome, must-see documentary! If you are a slasher buff, gore buff, or 80s horror buff you need to watch this. The film chronicles the essential rise and eventual fall of the slasher genre. It also touches on the rebirth of the genre in the mid-90s. All the great ones are included. Friday the 13th, Nightmare on elm street, Halloween, etc. Along with some underrated, smaller gems like Maniac, Proweler, and the Burning. The doc also shows rare footage, behind the scene clips, and also helps open your eyes to a couple of titles you might not have heard of. COntains all the gore and blood you want to see from all your favorites. I really enjoyed. Only problem...no mention at all of Black Christmas! I've seen it about a 5 times since it's release....always entertaining.

'Going to Pieces' is a good and quite complete review of the history of the slasher movie genre. It succeeds to show quite well the origins of the genre in the American horror movies, and then provides quite an extensive review of the development and pick of popularity it reached in the 80s, its decline and its renaissance in the late 90s. Bringing to screen interviews with many of the major creators of some of the more popular films, fans, as well as critics of the genre makes the viewing interesting.Yet I could not escape the feeling that the authors focused to much on making an entertaining film rather than making a more serious analysis and examining more extensively the context of the slasher movies in the evolution of cinema. The almost exclusive American focus is one flaw, only the influence of the Italian movies of the 70s is mentioned, but what about the classical German films, or what about the contemporary Far East movies? Today the genre is more popular in Japan and Korea than any other place on the planet and some major movies came out from there in the last few years. Connections with related genres like zombies movies and even horror science fiction could have been more explored as well. As it stands 'Going to Pieces' risks to become one of the objects of interest in the genre it deals with, a film targeting mainly the same captive audience who watches these movies anyway.