PIECES [1980]

PIECES opens with a seemingly innocent young boy in the midst of completing a puzzle of a nude woman. Once his mother notices the puzzle, she is enraged and demands it be disposed of immediately. The boy decides, instead, to eliminate his mother with an ax. Cut to present-day, and it becomes clear that the child has grown into a maniac; the gloved hands of a man open a puzzle box containing bloodied clothing and a photograph of his mother. The psychopath has turned a college campus upside down when the remains of a female student are found on school grounds, but a piece of her body is missing. Initially, the dean proposes the murder be kept under wraps in order to protect the reputation of the university. However, when a second mutilated body of yet another female pupil is discovered, members of the school board decide to recruit a wide-eyed student and a strong-willed, undercover policewoman to assist in detective work. Although the team is determined to hunt down the madman before more victims are added to his chopping list, he refuses to tolerate any interference in fulfilling his fantasy.

PIECES oozes, out of every pore, the kind of absurdity and randomness that is sure to make viewers scratch their heads in wonderment throughout the duration of the film. In turn, that is the very reason this movie epitomizes everything we love about horror flicks from the '80s. We can’t help but cherish nonsense and the grotesque. Perhaps none of the actors involved were nominated for Academy awards, but the mediocre acting, combined with the unexpected phrases and bizarre situations, is what makes PIECES so brilliant. Not a single dull moment can be found. While foreshadowing mildly prepares the viewer for each macabre scene to come, it fills one with an overwhelming feeling of anticipation. In addition, composer Librado Pastor’s score amplifies the impending doom and slashing. Nearly every element of “trashiness” is not only placed where necessary, but it plays a crucial role in the plot when the chainsaw is revved up and ready to amputate. The conclusion of the film is sure to shock and thrill any horror enthusiast. PIECES will, undoubtedly, satisfy gore lovers who appreciate giallo-inspired storylines and twist endings.

Rating: 10/10
Director: Juan Piquer Simon [MYSTERY ON MONSTER ISLAND, SLUGS, THE RIFT]

Cast: Christopher George, Lynda Day George, Frank Brana
Country: Spain|Puerto Rico|USA|Italy