Going To Pieces: The Rise and Fall of The Slasher Film is a strikingly insightful documentary film that lunges onto the screen, providing a deep-dive into the world of slasher films. Released in 2006, it is directed by Jeff McQueen and written by Adam Rockoff, with a stimulating range of interviews from renowned contributors such as Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and an enthusiastic appearance by Ed Green.

The film takes a compelling journey through the evolution of the slasher film genre, tracing it right from its emergence in the late 1970s to the decline and subsequent resurrection at the dawn of the 21st century. This roller-coaster ride of cinematic history starts with a thorough examination of the genre and a detailed overview of the characteristic elements that define it.

Getting into the meat of the slasher film phenomenon, Going To Pieces invites its audience to explore the societal and cultural shifts that marked the birth of the genre. With the use of clips from iconic films and interviews with key players in the horror film industry, it delves into the intricacies of what makes these films impactful, inducing both fear and thrill, and what prompted its sudden eruption and popularity.

The prowess of Wes Craven and John Carpenter highlights the slasher film’s golden era in the 1980s when movies like 'Halloween,' 'Friday the 13th' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' dominated the silver screen. The viewers are given an insider look as the masters of horror share their creative processes, struggles, and triumphs during these high times for the genre.

As the documentary proceeds, it addresses the fall of the slasher flick in the 1990s marked by a change in popular taste and a seemingly exhausted supply of fresh concepts. This led to an inevitable slump in the genre, a fact it boldly acknowledges. The film examines the underlying causes for this decline, touching on shifting societal norms, industry dynamics, and several controversies that dotted the genre’s timeline.

However, Going To Pieces doesn't end with despair. Instead, it enthusiastically pivots toward discussing how the slasher film genre was eventually resurrected and reintroduced into the mainstream. Highlighting the influence of films such as ‘Scream’ and 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' it delves into how these films capitalized on nostalgia and satire to draw audiences back to the blood-curdling shrieks of slasher films.

Ed Green passionately narrates the documentary, guiding the viewer through a labyrinth of gore, screams, masked murderers, and groundbreaking cinema. The film is not just for the hardcore horror-film fan but essentially for anyone with even a fleeting interest in the history of cinema, and the ebbs and flows that shape it.

Further, Going To Pieces: The Rise and Fall of The Slasher Film probes into the recurring themes and stereotypes in slasher films, like the 'final girl' trope, the disturbingly creative murder techniques, and the underlying symbolism behind the masked face of evil. It explores how these borrowed elements from psychological thrillers, crime novels, and folk tales to stitch together a new, terrifying brand of cinema that has continued to captivate audiences for decades.

The documentary, through its probing analysis, casts a spotlight on the societal response and the widespread criticism slasher films have often faced for being excessively violent and even misogynistic. It examines the controversies and debates stirred by these films and how this contentious dynamic has played a role in shaping and reshaping the genre throughout the years.

In conclusion, Going To Pieces: The Rise and Fall of The Slasher Film offers a comprehensive look at the universe of slasher films. It amalgamates expert commentary, film excerpts, and thematic analysis to present a thoroughly engaging narrative that is enlightening as it is enjoyable. For all horror enthusiasts or curious cinema lovers, this film provides a peek behind-the-scenes of some of the most iconic, terrifying, and rebelliously innovative cinema of the late 20th century, making it a must-watch!