Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film, 1978-1986 : Book Review

"Going to Pieces" by Adam Rockoff is a captivating and enlightening book that delves into the history and significance of slasher films in the horror genre. Rockoff takes readers on a fascinating journey through the origins of slasher films, exploring iconic movies like "Psycho" and "Halloween" that shaped the genre.

What sets this book apart is Rockoff's ability to provide a balanced perspective. He avoids mere nostalgia or criticism and instead offers a nuanced analysis of the positive and negative aspects of slasher films. By doing so, he celebrates the genre's contributions while acknowledging its flaws.

Rockoff's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book a compelling read for both horror enthusiasts and casual readers. He skillfully weaves together interviews, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the people involved in making these films, giving readers a unique glimpse into the creative process and the challenges faced by filmmakers.

One of the strengths of "Going to Pieces" is its examination of the cultural and societal factors that influenced the development of slasher films. Rockoff explores how these movies tapped into societal fears and anxieties, fueling their enduring appeal among audiences.

Additionally, the book serves as a valuable resource for cinephiles and horror fans. It includes a comprehensive filmography, featuring hundreds of slasher films with concise summaries and critiques for each. This makes it an excellent reference for anyone interested in exploring the genre further or discovering lesser-known films.

What are readers saying?

"Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film" by Adam Rockoff is a book that delves into the history and cultural influence of the slasher film genre. Reviews of the book have been mixed, with readers having differing opinions.

Many reviewers praised Rockoff's extensive research and knowledge of the subject matter. They appreciated the detailed analysis of various slasher films and their impact on popular culture. Readers found the book informative and engaging, providing a comprehensive overview of the genre's evolution.

However, some readers felt that the book was overly academic and dense, which made it a challenging read for casual fans of the genre. They noted that the heavy use of film theory and analysis might be intimidating for those seeking a more accessible and enjoyable reading experience. Additionally, a few readers found the writing style to be dry and lacking excitement.

Despite these criticisms, most reviewers found "Going to Pieces" to be a valuable resource for slasher film enthusiasts. They appreciated the author's ability to provide behind-the-scenes information and anecdotes about the creation of iconic movies in the genre. Many readers also enjoyed Rockoff's exploration of the societal context and cultural significance of slashers.

Another aspect that readers highlighted was the book's inclusion of interviews with filmmakers, which offered valuable insights into the creative process behind these films. This added a personal touch to the book and enhanced readers' understanding of the genre's significance.

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