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

Rating:
Summary: More than an amazing reference for fans
Review: After meeting Rockoff I picked up his book. I expected it would be filled with references that fans would appreciate. What I found was so much more, as Going to Pieces is one of the more thoroughly researched books about any film genre that I have read. Rockoff's interviews are fresh and he tracked down a lot of people whose contributions have largely gone unnoticed. What's more, Rockoff's style is unpretentious and often very, very funny. I loved this book and if you want to go beyond the films and filmmakers every other book or magazine cites, then this book if for you, too.

Rating:
Summary: An entertaining and well-written Slasher-reference
Review: Loved this book! Lots of interesting factoids about many of the stand-out Slasher-thrillers from the 70s/80s, and plenty on the ones barely seen. Rockoff knows his stuff and shares it in what was for me a nostalgic, breezy read. As others have written, I would've preferred a longer, more extensive guide with a larger number of stills, (and color would've been nice), but all-in-all
a much needed addition to any Horror-geek's library. If you love drive-in classics like 'The Burning', 'Silent Night, Deadly Night', and 'Nightmare', pick this one up.

Rating:
Summary: Simply marvelous! All flaws are cosmetic! Delightful!
Review: Rockoff clearly loves the genre and his behind-the-scenes tales on such slasher faves as "Nighmare" and "Maniac" are very interesting...I just wanted more...The book barely cracks 200 pages and leaves out a host of deserving slashers (Where's Madman?The Final Terror? Hide and Go Shriek? Rockoff mentions The Burning as having spawned the most future stars of any slasher, but the Final Terror had Joe Pantoliano, Darryl Hannah, the incomparable Adrian Zmed and Rachel Ward, not too shabby!) The book is a good appetizer, but it will leave you wanting more (especially for that price...ouch!)

Rating:
Summary: Solid Piece of Work
Review: This is a solid overview of the golden age of slasher films, including extremely informative material regarding production, distribution, box office, and the critical and popular reception of each flick. There are numerous black-and-white stills, including such fan favorites as The Prowler, House on Sorority Row, Alone in the Dark, etc., and Rockoff (who offers his own personal comments about each film as well) has some interesting insights and theories of his own. He also interviewed various directors, producers, etc. of these gems and incorporates their memories/anecdotes into the text. Not quite as extensive as you would hope, but it's encouraging to see slasher films receive the critical discussion that they deserve.

Rating:
Summary: Simply marvelous! All flaws are cosmetic! Delightful!
Review: Upon first appearance I have to admit, I felt somewhat cheated. The book was smaller than I'd pictured it would be for a hardbound, there wasn't a dust jacket, and it looked pretty lean considering the audacity of its title. I was hopeful upon ordering but disappointed in "presentation," otherwise I would have given this book a 5-Star Rating. The reason I give this book the other four stars is because this author knows exactly what he is talking about! The thought and attention to detail are absolutely amazing: an absolutely delightful and juicy read! I'm a longtime fan of slasher films, merely for their entertainment value, of course, :0}, and have contributed to this particular genre personally on more than one occasion. Hardcore fans of the 'slasher genre' should, and will, crave this book as though it were 'the law' of the subject! Trust me, trust me, trust me, having experienced this genre firsthand, both inside and out, you will not find a better reference for this unique list of sub genre horror films! This book is the first truthful, forthright, and unbiased look at a mini-genre that was despised publicly but loved inwardly. And, despite the supposedly 'lurid' premise of its subject matter, it never strays from being 'politically correct'. A+