Pieces (1982)

Pieces
is a 1982 Spanish-Italian slasher film. Directed by Juan Piquer Simón, the film is about the bloody murders in which a serial killer targets students on a university campus.

The movie takes place at a university in Boston. A serial killer is killing people in pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. The killer aims to create his own perverse artwork by putting together the cadaver pieces. The police seek the help of a detective and the university to solve the murders.

As a slasher film, "Pieces" draws attention with its bloody and violent scenes. Tensions, doubts and fears arise between university students and staff in the film. The murders are portrayed in creative and striking ways, and the identity of the murderer is revealed to the audience in a surprising way.

The movie carries the classic features of the slasher movies of the 1980s. Youth and sexuality themes, emphasis on violence, fear and tension are the characteristic elements of this genre.

"Pieces" received mixed critically upon release. Considered by some to be a cult classic among horror movie fans, it has been criticized by others for its excessive violence and low-quality production value.

The movie may be an interesting option for horror movie buffs, but may not be suitable for sensitive audiences due to the violence and disturbing scenes it contains.

The movie begins in 1942. A young boy constructs a puzzle to be put together with a knife when his mother instructs him to "hide every piece". However, the boy's mother does not allow him to complete the puzzle and the boy gets angry. A child who goes insane kills his mother.

Years later, in 1982, at a university in Boston, the murders begin again. A serial killer targets students on a college campus. While carrying out his murders, the murderer first stabs his victims and then combines their corpses to create his own "work of art".

Before the events started, a detective Lt. Bracken (Christopher George) is tasked with investigating the murders. Dean (Edmund Purdom) and the lecturers on the university campus assist the detective. As the murders take place, tensions escalate between students and staff at the university. An atmosphere is created where everyone is suspicious of who they are and there are moments of fear.


As Detective Bracken and his team follow the evidence to solve the murders, the identity and motives of the murderer are revealed. The killer is revealed to be linked to traumatic events in the past. A suspenseful and violent finale ensues as the police scramble to stop the murderer.

"Pieces", similar to other movies in the slasher genre, contains gory scenes and tense moments. The film offers surprises to the audience by revolving around the identity and motivation of the murderer.

However, the film received criticism for some inconsistencies and low production value. However, it has gained a cult following among horror cinema fans and has been considered a cult classic over time.

  • Although "Pieces" is actually a Spanish movie, it was shot specifically in English for the American market. Stunts were used for some of the actors to have them speak English.
  • The film represents a blend of the "giallo" style Italian horror cinema and the American slasher genre. Spanish director Juan Piquer Simón has been influenced by different cultures to produce an impressive production of this genre.
  • One of the key scenes from the movie "Pieces" is the "saw scene", in which the killer is shown cutting a woman with a saw. This scene is one of the most iconic and violent moments in the movie.
  • The soundtrack of the film was composed by Spanish composer Librado Pastor. It has an impressive soundtrack that further highlights the tension-filled moments in the movie.
  • Filming took place in Valencia, Spain. Valencia was chosen as a picturesque and suitable location to represent the university campus and other venues in the film.
  • The film "Pieces" received mixed critically at its original release, but has become a cult classic over time. It gained popularity among fans who were particularly interested in the slasher genre in the 1980s.
  • While the film draws attention with its bloody scenes and violent images, it also contains absurdly funny moments. This is a feature that makes the movie both a terrifying and surprising experience.
  • "Pieces" also adopts some of the stereotypes of the slasher movies of the 1980s. It reflects the popular genre of this period in which youth, sexuality and violence were heavily represented.

This interesting information can provide more insight into the movie "Pieces from 1982" and give ideas to those who want to explore the interesting features of the movie.

Director : Juan Piquer Simón
Writers : Dick Randall, Roberto Loyola, Juan Piquer Simón
Director of Photography : Juan Mariné
Music : Librado Pastor
Production : 1982 - Italy, Spain - 85 m.
Genre : Horror / Mystery / Thriller

CAST :
Christopher George
Lynda Day George
Frank Braña
Edmund Purdom
Ian Sera
Paul L. Smith

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