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

Director
Jeff McQueen

Main cast
Ed Green; John Carpenter; Rob Zombie; Lilyan Chauvin; Betsy Palmer

Genres
Horror, Documentary, History

Description
This historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with "Halloween," "Friday the 13th," and "Prom Night." The films' directors, writers, producers, and special effects creators comment on the films' making and success. During the Reagan years, the films get gorier, budgets get smaller, and their appeal wanes. Then, "Nightmare on Elm Street" revives the genre. Jump to the late 90s, when "Scream" brings humor and TV stars into the mix. Although some criticize the genre as misogynistic (Siskel and Ebert), most of the talking heads celebrate the films: as long as there are teenagers, there will be slasher films, says one.


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