SLICE AND DICE

A little while ago, I did a personal “top ten” of great horror documentaries. (It’s still on the site by the way, *cheesy grin*). From “Terror in the Aisles” (1984) to “Going to pieces” (2006), there is a real thirst by fans and filmmakers, to dissect and discuss the horror genre in the cinema. I’ve been a lifelong fan of scare flicks, and believe that horror fans are the most social and interesting people in movie circles. Anybody that communicates in these areas on Twitter, or attends film festivals like “Frightfest”, will know this to be true. So these types of documentaries are instantly accessible to people with an ounce of interest in the genre. Sod the political influences behind “Citizen Kane”, we all want to know where Jason Voorhees got his hockey mask from!

So “Slice & Dice” (Or to give it the full title on the DVD box *deep breath* … “Slice & Dice: The slasher film forever: The complete history of Mad Maniac Movies”), is an up to date British production, that is directed by Calum Waddell. Waddell has worked on a mind-boggling number of mini and full-length documentaries, on subjects such as Argento, Paul Naschy, and Grindhouse movies (69 titles listed on IMDB!). So he is more than qualified to handle the subject. Would it have made my “top ten” though?

More than likely, yes! “Slice & Dice” takes a general stab (hah!) at the history and evolution of the slasher flick. With an amazing (and opinionated) collection of horror actors, critics, and filmmakers, it discusses the various aspects of the slasher movie over the past 50 years or so. With sections such as “Genesis of the Slasher film”, “The Final Girl”, and “What makes a good slasher villain”, it covers the topics by means of clips of the aforementioned movies, and “talking-head” sections with the interviewees. The interviewees themselves include such luminaries as; Adam Green, Corey Feldman, Tobe Hooper, Tom Holland, Mick Garris, Fred Olen Ray, Emily Booth, etc., etc. They might not be that well known to the man on the street, but horror fans will know and respect their words.

The documentary works best when we learn little bits of information that you didn’t know, For instance, Tom Holland (Director of Child’s Play”) reveals that he literally tried to obliterate Chucky at the climax to ensure that they could not bring him back for a sequel (Unlucky Tom!). They are also some interesting points made. Whilst most people point to “Psycho” as being the first slasher flick, a couple of people raise the theory that Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians” (the book, ignoring the original title) had the formula covered first! Also, it’s the general consensus that horror remakes are so prevalent now, because the slasher villains became the “heroes” of the films, and they had to be rebooted to make then scary again. It’s also interesting to see the love shown to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” remake of 2003 (Quite right too!). And there’s a nice rant about why CGI gore is so ineffective as well (Yay!). “It’s just a cartoon!”

A special mention must go to the effective Saul Bass-alike titles and cards that are used throughout the documentary, and the wonderful selection of clips and trailers. Along with the classics like “Halloween” and “Texas Chainsaw”, there are the lesser known “Tourist Trap” and “Sleepaway Camp”. And some I’d never heard of! “Girl School Screamers” and “Splatter University” anyone? Lovely to hear some of these with the ubiquitous gravelly-voiced-trailer-man saying his portents of doom! “His suffering has ended! But ours is just beginning!!” Quite.

Although it is great fun to view, it does come across as a little un-focused at times. Once the “genesis”/history section is finished the discussions jump all over the different eras. It feels like you’ve gone to a (cool) dinner party and you’re bouncing back and forth between after-meal conversations. It runs a little short as well, despite the obvious amount of material from the interviews and the sources. (NB: Brief message to “88 Films” the DVD distributor, enough with the “Puppet Master” clips and trailers. Please.)

Having said that, I must give special mention to the 2-DVD package (contents listed below), and most of all to the 36 minute supplement documentary “Don’t go in the Backwoods”. This is more of the same, but discusses the aspects of rural and wilderness settings on the slasher flick. They illustrate this with examples from films like “Deliverance”, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, “The Hills have eyes”, and (the original) “2,000 Maniacs”. There are a couple of extra guests as well, with Tony Todd and John Russo making welcome appearances. Nice touch from Todd, where he admits that there are some American towns where he would NOT stop for gas, and some gentle ribbing of the Brits from the others (“Straw Dogs” gets a mention).

All in all, a nice treat for the serious horror fan, and enough material to convert those wavering on the edge.
Now howsabout a “History of the Scream Queen” documentary?

DVD Extras: An excellent cornucopia of bloody bonus features on a two-disc pack
“Don’t go in the Backwoods” – Brilliant 36 minute supplementary documentary. Basically, more of the same, but concentrating on slashers set in the country.
Director’s commentary on the main feature, plus the same deal on the 22 classic horror trailers.

6 extra footage segments of extended interviews with the likes of Corey Feldman, Adam Green, and Fred Olen Ray.
Music video by “The Acid Fascists” (No. Me neither…)
Footage from 3 premieres at different film festivals, including Sitges.
Q&A session in Glasgow, with James Moran (writer of “Cockneys vs. Zombies” + “Tower Block”) and Norman J.Warren (Director of “Inseminoid” + “Terror”).
Collected file trailers (more bloody “Puppet Master”)
22 classic horror film trailers. Everything from “Halloween” to “Stagefright”. Gravelly voiced trailer man. We salute you!

The main feature is a great documentary, with plenty to recommend.

As a stand-alone piece it does sometimes feel a bit shy of being “definitive”, and is a little on the short side. But throw in all the great special features and you have a fine horror package that speaks your language and stands up to repeat viewings.