Cast
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Franco Nero
as Andrea Bild
Silvia Monti
as Helene Volta
Wolfgang Preiss
as Police inspector
Edmund Purdom
as Edouard Vermont
Rossella Falk
as Sophia Bini
Renato Romano
as Dr. Richard Bini
Guido Alberti
as Traversi
Luciano Bartoli
as Walter Auer
Agostina Belli
as Giulia Soavi
Maurizio Bonuglia
as John Lubbock
Pamela Tiffin
as Lu Auer
Corrado Gaipa
as Editor
Andrea Scotti
as Vogel
Ira von Fürstenberg
as Isabel Lancia
Luigi Antonio Guerra
as Man
Crew
Director
- Luigi Bazzoni
Writer
- Luigi Bazzoni
- Mario Fanelli
- Mario Di Nardo
Producer
- Manolo Bolognini
Reviews
JPV852
Very average mystery-horror giallo film that at least stars Franco Nero who I liked here, but otherwise nothing all that good despite some nice cinematography. Not a complete waste of time but I lost interest by the end. **2.5/5**
Nov 30, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Fifth Cord presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Luigi Bazzoni brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1971, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Fifth Cord took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1740 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1971, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Fifth Cord shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bury the Hatchet, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Fifth Cord subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Conspiracy Theory and Pet Sematary explore similar territory, The Fifth Cord stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 17, 1971
- Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to Watch
