Faithful (1996) User Reviews

Underrated film, quite good if you're in the mood for it

[mrsastor · 7/10 · 21 May 2007]

I have to admit, I enjoyed this movie tremendously when I watched it alone, and later when a group of friends watched it in my house I was embarrassed by how much they hated it. You have to be in the mood for it.

Cher must be commended, to carry off a movie when you spend exactly half of your screen time tied to a chair is pretty remarkable. The interplay between Tony and Margaret is much better when it is just the two of them, Ryan O'Neal doesn't bring much of anything to his part and the film declines somewhat when he enters the home.

The only real annoyance is the HORRIFIC injections of Mazurski as some kind of freak shrink that is supposed to be funny; it may well be the single unfunniest and most unnecessary character in the history of film. You could totally fast forward through every second Masurski is on the screen and it would only improve the film.

I think women will like this a lot better than men, but it's a good film and very underrated. For most of 1996 it was my favorite film.

Cher can be a good actress - but not always

[DomiMMHS · 7/10 · 1 January 1999]

"Faithful" is a worth-watching film, somewhere between comedy and drama, but not tragicomedy. It stars Cher as a rich but rejected wife who wants to take her life on her 20th anniversary. But then a hitman hired by her husband gets into her house. He ties her to a chair and they start to talk - as it's an adaption of a play - and slowly Cher's wish to live on is growing. The dialogue is quite spirited and also funny, you shouldn't miss it. And it's pretty cool when the hitman is making phone-calls to his psychiatrist and vice versa, again and again. You have to enjoy this, it's almost 'tarantinoesque', but better, because there is no celebration of violence here. Nevertheless, in the end it gets kind of disturbing and boring. Now the movie finally suffers from the fact that basically only three actors are involved. Cher's acting is very good in the beginning, her facial acting is fabulous when portraying the desperate woman meeting her killer. But from the moment when her husband (Ryan O'Neal) returns, her character is much less convincing and her face of vivid emotion turns a face of a pale mask of make-up, which - forgive me - she may think makes her look one or two decades younger. Now my vote: 7 out of 10!

Unexpected and okay

[ed_two_o_nine · 6/10 · 31 March 2008]

I came across this movie on late night TV with no previous knowledge of the movie not knowing any of the cast and was pleasantly surprised. Do not get me wrong this in not a great movie but it is certainly a lot better than the usual late night moves we find on terrestrial TV her in the UK. As I learnt from the opening credits that this was adapted from a play by the co-lead Chazz Palminteri and it really shows with the vast majority of the movie being set in the one location the house of the female lead Margaret (played by Cher whom normally really grates me by in this is not to bad, though she has had so much plastic surgery she does look like an extra from 'The Dark Crystal). The premise is of Tony a hit-man being sent by Margaret's husband to kill her, but this turns into a wiseguy farce with lots or role reversals especially with the re-appearance of the husband Jack (a slimy Ryon O'Neil). The direction really is point the camera and the set and shoot adding to the theatre feeling but considering there are pretty much only three characters on screen most of the time we get some decent chemistry between them and a not totally predictable outcomes. I would not go out of my way to see this again but would not avoid it on a bored afternoon trapped in some hotel or another.

Underrated

[Michael_Elliott · 14 March 2008]

Faithful (1996)

*** (out of 4)

Jack (Ryan O'Neil) is a lying, cheating husband who is having an affair with his 24-year-old secretary while his wife Margaret (Cher) sits at home living in a state of depression wondering what has gone wrong with her life. Margaret has all the money in the world but this isn't enough because she missing the touch of her husband plus she's too scared to leave him even though she knows he's cheating on her. With their twentieth anniversary here Margaret decides to make a change.

Before any change can take place, Jack (Chazz Palminteri), a Mafia hit man enters the house at gunpoint and tells the wife that she's going to die. Jack ties Margaret to a chair and tells her that he's waiting for the phone to ring twice, which is the signal from her husband that he's got an alibi and that the killing can take place. While waiting for the phone call Jack and Margaret begin talking and Jack is shocked to learn that the change the wife was going to do was kill herself. When Jack hears this he realizes that he has saved her life and the two also begin to realize that they have more in common than Margaret ever did with her husband.

Faithful was released to limited theaters back in 1996 and died a quick death without much buzz around the film. The box office take was small and there wasn't too much critical talk about the film but to me this is a very underrated art film with some very deep drama and a twisted sense of black humor, which sadly tried to be sold to the public as some sort of lighthearted comedy. This is the type of film that's about nothing at all. There's not too much going on throughout the film except for the appeal of its cast and the dialogue being spoken by them.

When I said the film was about nothing that's the honest truth because there isn't a single thing that happens in the film. We are given a setup but a minute later we know there's not going to be anything bad that happens. We can see it in the characters and we can see the silly setup and while we're expecting something funny to happen the screenplay by Palminteri takes a different approach and goes for some heavy handled drama, which seems out of place yet the actors are so convincing that we are brought deeper into the situation. This story was originally a stage play by Palminteri and while it doesn't translate too well to the screen there's still plenty to enjoy here.

Cher has always been a reliable actress and she does a wonderful job here in a demanding role that takes her from a suicidal case to an overly powerful and vengeful wife seeking answers in her life. The suicide part of the performance is done without words and we can just look at her eyes and see how she's feeling and know exactly why she's feeling it. At the end of the film Cher confronts her cheating husband and while this could have gone over the top, Cher's performance is so compelling that everything comes off believable and makes up from the heavy drama earlier in the film. Ryan O'Neil has never been an actor I've overly enjoyed but he's also very nice here. Chazz Palminteri on the other hand is one of my favorite character actors who has proved himself in Robert DeNiro's A Bronx Tale as well as Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway. His thick New York accent and mobster like personality is very charming and his dramatic turn here comes off wonderfully well.

I think Faithful has been forgotten because it's not really a film with any sort of payoff. There's never any suspense that someone is going to get killed and there's not enough laughs to keep a mainstream audience interested. Instead we are given a dialogue driven film with two depressed people and an adulterous husband who tries to have his wife killed. I think the film could have used a bit more comedy and the stuff with Palminteri's shrink never really works. This is the type of film that when it's over the viewer will probably ask themselves what was the point of the film. There isn't a point to the movie. Instead, we're given wonderful dialogue and three wonderful performances making the situation more interesting than it should be.

Not bad - Chazz carries it

[fleagles · 7/10 · 7 March 2000]

This was better than I expected. Chazz Palminteri plays a hit man set to kill Cher, and who was sent by her husband, played by Ryan O'Neal. But then once Chazz starts to talk to her, they seem to have this snappy discourse. (He can't just kill her - he's waiting for a phone call from the husband.) This isn't more than a nice-looking play (great house in Harrison, NY), and it's not suspenseful at all, but Palminteri's charm carries it nicely.

Vote: 7

Your cheating man

[jotix100 · 6/10 · 20 November 2005]

"Faithful" directed by Paul Mazurski doesn't add anything to his otherwise prestigious resume. As a comedy director, Mr. Mazurski has done better. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to have been inspired, by the story or by his cast.

In fact, one of the worst things in the film is the overbearing role of Chazz Palmentieri, whose Tony is one of the most obnoxious things he has played in the movies. Cher, as Margaret, the redheaded woman, married to a rat fink, doesn't bring anything new to the screen. She could do much better, but unfortunately, not here. Finally, Ryan O'Neal doesn't have much to do.

The best thing about "Faithful" is its 91 minutes running time! Sorry Mr. Mazurski, you need to stay away from whoever told you Chass Palmentieri's screen play had possibilities.

Depression sets in early...

[moonspinner55 · 3/10 · 14 February 2007]

Anemic comedy-drama, an unhappy, seemingly rushed affair featuring Cher as a woebegone housewife who slowly makes friends with the hit-man who's been hired to kill her by her husband. Chazz Palminteri, as the talkative hired gun, adapted the screenplay from his own play, with stagy set-ups and back-and-forth dialogue that quickly tires the eye and ear. An air of gloom hangs over the entire project, and director Paul Mazursky can't get Cher out of her perpetual funk (she's listless). Despite all the top talent (including Robert De Niro as one of the producers), "Faithful" is fraudulent, with no substance to the story and characters who rarely come to life. *1/2 from ****

A Surprise Gem with Flaws, but Heart

[SJGII · 7/10 · 14 September 2023]

Paul Mazursky's "Faithful," written by the talented Chazz Palminteri, is a film that defied my expectations and left me puzzled as to why it faced criticism from both critics and the general public. Sometimes, the masses simply miss the mark, and "Faithful" is a shining example of an underrated gem.

This movie, featuring the formidable trio of Chazz Palminteri, Ryan O'Neal, and the incomparable Cher, is not without its flaws, but these blemishes are like minor scratches on a masterpiece; they may be there, but they don't detract from its overall brilliance. Cher's performance, in particular, stands out as she breathes life into a character who embodies both bubbly charm and profound loneliness. Her portrayal is a delightful blend of humor, warmth, and, at times, ruthlessness, making it nearly impossible not to be enamored by her on-screen presence.

The heart of "Faithful" resides in the interactions between Palminteri and Cher, and their on-screen chemistry is palpable. At times, I found myself questioning the authenticity of their connection, but that doubt is precisely what the film aims to evoke. It keeps you guessing until the final moments, shrouding reality in an intriguing veil of uncertainty.

At its core, "Faithful" is a heartfelt exploration of two lonely souls and one man who struggles to comprehend the complexities of successful relationships. The film peels back the layers of human connections, exposing the vulnerabilities and concealed truths that underlie them. Palminteri, O'Neal, and Cher deliver performances that ring true, immersing you in the emotional rollercoaster of their characters.

While "Faithful" is far from a perfect cinematic masterpiece, it doesn't need to be. Its imperfections are a testament to the unpredictability of life and love, reminding us that perfection is an elusive ideal. The film challenges preconceived notions, sustains your engagement, and leaves you contemplating its themes long after the credits roll.

In retrospect, the criticism "Faithful" faced remains a perplexing mystery. This overlooked gem deserves a second chance, primarily for the electric chemistry between Palminteri and Cher. Their shared moments are the highlights of the film, leaving you to wonder how much more impactful an already fine movie could have been with even more screen time for the two.

"Faithful" is a cinematic journey worth taking-a tale of introspection and an exploration of the enigmatic nature of human relationships. While Palminteri's character could have benefited from toning down a bit, he still manages to showcase depth, proving that he is not one-dimensional. Ultimately, it is the magnetic presence of Palminteri and Cher, along with their numerous memorable scenes together, that elevate this film from good to unforgettable.

A Failure

[Theo Robertson · 4/10 · 27 September 2005]

Adapting plays into cinema is often a bad idea because they're two different mediums . Do you think it's a great idea to make ZULU into a stage play ? Imagine it where two valiant redcoats sit in a tent gasping " Blimey there's thousands of them out there " Great movie and a bad stage play

In order for a stage play to make great cinema there's two essentials needed

1) A fine cast that creates on screen chemistry

2 ) Great dialogue

On paper Cher and Chazz Palminterri would be a good casting choice but not in these roles . The story revolves around a hit-man played by Palminterri breaking into a house to kill a wife played by Cher with most of the action taking place inside the house . I was unable to take these two characters seriously though perhaps it was the fault of the script which can't decide whether it was trying to be serious or funny . Since the story is very static it's of the utmost importance that the dialogue shines and once again because of the bizarre tone of the screenplay it embarrasses more than anything else with much of the conversation revolving around sex acts . if you want to see a great translation of a stage play transferred to the silver screen give FAITHFUL a miss and watch 12 ANGRY MEN instead

A bit of a mixed bag

[bob_bear · 6/10 · 24 September 2005]

I agree with what Dianna Trent said below. Namely: "I also don't like the dangerous idea of 'loving' a man who comes into your home to murder you. That word "rape" needs to be replaced, too." Yes. And Yes. Both these "issues" made me uncomfortable.

I think the biggest flaw in this film is its lack of logic. Like I know about the Stockholm syndrome but it just doesn't make sense that Margaret would really date Tony after the event. He's a HIT MAN!!!! He KILLS people for a living. Like she would really wanna cuddle up to that???? And the cutesie ending looks like it was tacked on because some preview audience weren't happy with the original. Schmaltzig. It doesn't work.

The actors do their best. I think the casting could've been better but that doesn't mean those taking part didn't give 100%. No the problems lie with the script - despite some excellent dialogue. It's patchy and ill-conceived, that's what it is. 'A' for effort. 'C' for the finished product.

Wonderful comedy!

[cherqueen9 · 10/10 · 19 January 2000]

Ok, so it's not an action packed thriller, but if you're in the mood to laugh, it's a great movie. Cher's acting was wonderful when you consider the fact that it was mainly just her and Chazz Palminteri for the majority of the movie. I personally thought that Chazz's acting was excellent. I mean, he wrote the movie AND was the main character. To me that seems like it would take a lot of talent which he obviously has to accomplish such a thing. I've heard some people say that they were disappointed at the fact that Chazz played his normal mobster character. In my opinion, his best rolls are when he plays a hitman, mobster, etc, because you know he's Italian, and makes a great tuff guy, even though in reality I bet he's probably really sweet. Another comment I've heard is that it was boring. If you thought it was boring, see it again because you didn't understand it. Keep in mind that the strength of this movie is the witty dialogue BECAUSE it was based on a play and BECAUSE it was a play/movie that was from the perspective of a cheated housewife held captive. What did you expect?

Totally underrated film about relationships.

[ltlacey · 8/10 · 6 August 2009]

I do not understand why this movie is rated so low, and that so many people did not like it. But I guess you have to be in the right state of mind to see it. The premise is that after 20 years of marriage a lonely and depressed housewife, Margaret, and played by Cher, has had it, and rather than confront her hubby, decides to end her life. But before she can down the pills a hit-man, Tony, played by Palminteri, breaks in and ties her to a chair. I thought the dialogue between the two was witty, and the chemistry between Cher and Palminteri was great. They played off each other wonderfully. I also liked the parts with Tony's shrink. Absolutely hilarious. The low points were when O'Neal was around, but thankfully those were few, and when he was in a scene he did not do much more than stand there. Not a lot of dialogue out of him, which worked. There are a lot of movies made from plays, as this one is, and though some do not work out too well, this one worked, since we got more to see in a film than we would have from a play (visually). Not that it was needed. A few outside shots of how opulent Margaret lived, and that scene in the beginning with the Rolls, and that's all we needed. Check it out.

One of those movies that stays with you for years...

[Will-35 · 9/10 · 24 August 2023]

I just love this film. First, Paul Mazursky is one of my all time favourite directors and the performances (other than Ryan O'Neal's) are just top notch. It's a great screenplay, the editing is on point.. there is little not to love here. I say it when it came out and I can still quote it years later. It's a small film, no special effects, no spectacular stunts. But Cher and Chazz Palminteri have great chemistry both deserve much praise here and Mazursky handles it with his usual understanding of how people interact in real life. His "Next Stop Greenwich Village" is in my top 10 films of all time. But this is my second favourite film of his. A great director in really fine form... and it's worth a watch.

An unexpected delight

[btm1 · 8/10 · 18 September 2011]

Comcast cable gave "Faithful" just 2 stars, so I wasn't sure I wanted to see it. But I love films Cher has starred in, so I watched it not expecting too much. It's a small but delightful film about the interaction of a woman and the hit-man hired to kill her.

Maggie (Cher) is an extremely wealthy housewife. She drives a Rolls, and lives in a modern mansion that seems large enough to house a hotel or resort. But she is depressed. Her husband of 20 years, Jack (Ryan O'Neal), has been neglecting her. They haven't had sex for months and she is sure he is having an affair. A hit-man, Tony (Chazz Palminteri), sneaks into her house and ties her to a chair. He explains that her husband hired him to kill her, but he has to wait until the husband signals (by phoning and hanging up after two rings) that he has reached his alibi location.

While waiting, Maggie tries to convince Tony to work for her instead of her husband. Tony becomes distressed and calls his psychotherapist, Dr. Susskind (Paul Mazursky, who also was the film's Director).

While this does not sound like a comedy, in what drama does a hit-man call his therapist during a job? Besides, there is the anticipation that Maggy will come out on top. She is Cher after-all!

Chazz Palminteri is excellent as the troubled hit-man. He also wrote the play the film is based on, and wrote the screenplay. Robert De Niro is listed as the Producer.

There are some minor problems that I didn't think about until writing this review. They don't really matter:

1. Maggie considers herself a housewife. But how does she spend her days? Wouldn't such a person have a circle of girlfriends who discuss each others family problems?

2. Shouldn't such a large home have a staff to run it? It has an elaborate security system but no staff to respond to intrusions? A cook? A maid to keep the many rooms clean? 3. Cher's acting seemed to me to somehow to be a little off, as if she didn't put her full effort into it. In other films she has been a superb actress.

The film was adapted from a play, so it is not surprising that nearly all the scenes are in the mansion.

Witty and hilarious, this movie is sure to make you laugh!

[cherqueen9 · 10/10 · 17 June 2000]

Ok, well it's not an action-packed thriller, but if your in the mood to laugh, be sure to pick up "Faithful." Cher and Chazz Palminteri give excellent performances that are sure to have you rolling with laughter by the middle of the movie, as it is filled with witty dialogue.

CHER is a QUALITY ACTRESS! FINE PERFORMANCE!!!

[larrysmile1 · 9/10 · 12 October 2001]

Cher captivates the movie screen! She should undertake at least one project every other year for the rest of her life! Cher is such a joy to watch perform as an actor! Her personality electrifies!

I disagree with Leonard Maltin's assessment that this movie screen play written by it's original stage play writer, Chazz Palminteri, who also plays the movie role of "Tony" the Mafia-Mob hit-man, is a disappointment which "simply doesn't work on film, despite good performances." It does not do a movie justice to compare it with a stage play! For one, more people will see a movie in a century of time than see a limited run stage play!

This film is much better than the usual choppy, disorganized, and fluff movies that are turned out "a dime a dozen" by the movie industry. This film basically captures two performers in intense and engaging dialog which runs completely throughout the film. No special effects or special movie sounds are needed to keep the viewers' attention.

Cher and Palminteri blend well together. There is long and thoughtful dialog spoken in this film. All to the credit of writer Palminteri. Cher proves her professional merit and delivers her character's emotional personality with a soft sadness that is obvious when a 20 year marriage falls apart because of infidelity, adultery, and neurotic behavior. Yes, Cher has that twinkle in her eye and smile which tricks one to thinking this is some sort of black-comedy. The subject matter is not funny! It is just Cher being Cher! Think back to her "VAMP" comedy routine on the old Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Cher can't help it because she is so lovable that it just is there and you have to accept it!

I almost didn't recognize the professional actor Ryan O'Neal (Jack). He has gotten older when compared to his boyish look of his films from years past. Still, he delivers a quality performance because he is a quality actor! Of course he plays a louse of a husband who is cheating on his wife and hires Tony to kill Margaret (Cher). However, the ending is not what one would suspect from watching countless movies with the same basic plot of "husband hires hit-man to kill wife." Mr. Palminteri turns the tables in his writing! Well done.

Director Paul Mazursky also acts as Tony's psychiatrist. He does his therapy over the phone while the interaction between Cher and Palminteri is proceeding. Good character portrayal of a "Shrink" with his own problems.

Of course, this is what one calls a "New York Story." It is a "common tale" of wealthy New York lifestyles, stories often not apparent in Bangor, Maine, Mt. Hebo, Oregon, or Gainesville, Florida. One would expect these troubled lives in places like Manhattan and East Hampton, New York. Wherever the wealthy reside you get the notion that even with all their money you cannot be happy!

The film also makes good use of some flashback sequences which help to explain the actor's troubled past life. Well done cinematography.

One of the producers is Robert De Niro.

I really liked this film because of it's quality acting, it's method of telling the story, and the engaging dialog written for the characters and well-performed by the stars. There should be more movies with dialog like this instead of the one or two line phrases usually being uttered in many of today's "hit" movies.

Catch this movie on a TV cable channel or rent the video. Remember, it's a drama not a comedy so don't look for chuckles or canned laughter!

I rate this film a solid "9". Give us more CHER!

faithful

[annlimbo · 10/10 · 19 September 2005]

I loved the movie 'FAITHFUL' with Cher. I thought it was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Cher was fabulous in this movie. I have seen all of her movies and this was by far the best one ever. Cher has been my favorite actress and singer since I first saw her on 'THE SONNY AND CHER SHOW'. I think she a very good mother and she'll be ever so great with grandchildren. One of my favorite songs is 'CHASTITY SUN'. I watch 'FAITHFUL' more than any other movie that I have. The people that I let watch really like this movie. Some have asked to watch it again. I just stumbled on to this movie at a flea market. I am glad I bought it. The puns in this movie are the greatest.

A movie that has its moments.

[elektra-5 · 10 March 1999]

Faithful all in all is a pretty disappointing movie. Cher is brilliant and gives as usual a good performance. But, Chaz once again plays that typical role (gangster, hit man, etc.). The movie has its moments but, not much else.

BitchFest 1996!!!!

[DenBoy-3 · 28 July 1999]

The first time I saw it, I hated it. With a passion. Don't know why- I've loved everything else Cher had done. It didn't click for some reason. Then I watched it some time later and WHAM, I got it... going thru the same thing myself (except the hitman part). I found myself laughing and crying, and rooting Cher's wonderfully angry and hostile dialog. (I think she let Ryan off too easy...) The whole first half is a setup for the last half, when her husband Jack (Ryan O'Neil) comes home. Then the poo REALLY hits the proverbial whirling blades. She lets him have it, takes it all back, and gives it to him again. Harder. (Considering how I felt when I went thru a similar situation, he STILL got off way too easy!) I would very much recommend this movie- especially if your boyfriend or girlfriend has had an affair and you are still bitter- it's very cathartic. And it's still free! (Okay- the rental isn't- but it's a funny line in the movie...)

Is this a Comedy or are we supposed to be scared of Chazz Palminteri??

[dtrent-2 · 23 August 2000]

Love Chazz, love Cher, tolerate O'Neal but this movie takes too many of my emotions & smacks 'em together. I don't like someone looking menacing waving a gun in someone's face & then making small-talk with her - SINCERE small-talk. Is this a comedy? Is it a serious movie? PLEASE PICK ONE!! Sometimes it seems too real. Sometimes it's light-hearted & funny. Sometimes the dialogue (& Cher sitting on that chair in her white sox & that stupid pink robe w/her legs wrapped around Palminteri) is too dirty & ruins what coulda been sweet. I also don't like the dangerous idea of 'loving' a man who comes into your home to murder you. That word "rape" needs to be replaced, too.

I watch it sometimes for the Chazz factor. But this shoulda been re-written. Perhaps with Chazz's character somehow meeting up w/Cher, taking an interest in her but never letting on that he's supposed to kill her. They fall in love & O'Neal gets put away. (Murdered or literally arrested - either one.)

Oh well - That's my take on being FAITHFUL.

In a word...terrible

[Steve-368 · 3 March 1999]

This movie drips with terrible acting by Cher. It is the poster film for terrible movies. Edward Wood was a Stanley Kubrick by comparison to this film. Cher can sing and I enjoyed she and Sonny a lot. But in the acting field, she's just no damn good. Keep her away from a camera. The only film with her that is worth watching is The Witches of Eastwick. And that's only because Jack Nicholson starred.

Avoid at all costs.