The Fifth Cord (1971)

Dir: Luigi Bazzoni

Franco Nero plays a grizzled alcoholic journalist who becomes embroiled in a series of murders that start with an assault at a groovy psychedelic New Year party and continue every Tuesday with shocking regularity. Nero becomes prime suspect and the typically giallo race against time is soon on for him to prove his innocence. The plot is a bit ropey (no cord pun intended) but there are some nice flourishes and the tone is both consistent and deadly serious. There's a pretty tremendous chase sequence at the end too. However, what elevates "The Fifth Cord" above so many gialli from its era is the photography, courtesy of Vittorio Storaro (who'd later go on to shoot "Apocalypse Now"). Almost every scene is aesthetically breathtaking. You could freeze frame it just about anywhere and get something that looked like a still worth framing on your wall. Definitely a worthy addition to any giallo fan's collection. ***