Review: The Eyes of Tammy Faye

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While attending a religious college, Tammy Faye (Jessica Chastain) meets Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield) and together they build a televangelist empire. 

Truth be told, I knew nothing about the Bakkers prior to watching this movie. I know televangelism is a thing, but it's something I never encountered growing up. Of all the real life figures in this film, I only recognized one name and it was because Jon Stewart dragged him all over The Daily Show back in the day. So because of this, I can't speak to whether or not most of it is accurate, but I can say I was entertained.

The beginning of the film shows a bunch of news clips about the real rise and fall of the Bakkers, which I thought was a weird choice, but I'm assuming the majority of the people watching this would already be familiar with them, and not watching it because it could be an Oscar contender like me. But after that, we jump right into the story and briskly move along.

One of the things I appreciated the most about this was how hard they leaned into camp at times. For two people as fake as the Bakkers, it was a good choice. The film is very light hearted for the most part and doesn't overly sympathize too much. 

Chastain and Garfield are wonderful, especially the former. I was worried the makeup would be distracting but I just marveled at it really. It's crazy to think it's Chastain under there. Garfield's aging makeup was really good as well. That's probably spot on with what he'll look like in 40 years. 

It follows the basic biopic structure but the ending is so great. I love the shot they decided to go out on.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B+

Memorable Quote: "We can't..." - Tammy Faye (Jessica Chastain)

Comments

  1. joel65913September 28, 2021 at 2:31 PM

    I remember the whole rise and fall of these charlatans. It was so patently clear they were shysters I could never fathom how they suckered all those people for so long (however you can't fix stupid), although Tammy Faye seemed more devout that the snake oil salesman that is Jim Bakker.

    I've also watched the documentary about her which has the same title. She came across equal parts naive, clueless, emotionally fragile, vulnerable and manipulative. I'm curious to see the movie for the performances but I doubt it will change my opinion of her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 28, 2021 at 3:16 PM

      Yeah, the film definitely made it seem like she didn't know the extent of what Jim was doing, and a group of ladies that were at my showing were also talking about that as we were leaving the theater. They didn't think she knew either. I'm interested in what you think of the film! I doubt it will sway any opinions either, but at least the performances were good.

      Delete
  2. thevoid99September 28, 2021 at 6:28 PM

    I'm going to wait for this film on streaming or TV as I do like Jessica Chastain although I hope she never has to wear all of that makeup ever again. I knew about the Bakkers as a kid born in the 80s as they were annoying as fuck. Man, there's going to be a nice place for those televangelists and evangelicals.... in HELL!!! Satan is going to have so much fun with them with Jesus coming in every once in a while and taking a literal piss at them. Then again, they might enjoyed being peed on by Jesus Christ which is sick. At least they'll have good company with R. Kelly. Man, I hate that motherfucker.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 30, 2021 at 6:20 AM

      SO glad R. Kelly was found guilty. It's long overdue. For chastain's sake I also hope she never has to wear this much makeup again as well lol

      Delete
  3. BirgitSeptember 30, 2021 at 11:21 AM

    Oh man, how I remember these shysters who lived the life of luxury by taking money from the very gullible. Her make-up was atrocious and she was just as guilty as her dumb ass husband. I do want to see this film very much because of the nature of these people who live great lives before losing it all, justifiably because they were charlatans. Looks quite good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 30, 2021 at 4:00 PM

      It's good! I can't believe she permanently lined her lips. Awful choice.

      Delete
  4. keith71_98October 3, 2021 at 10:08 AM

    I really struggled with this one despite Chastain's brilliance. Weird choice by the filmmakers to try and rewrite Tammy Faye's part in all of their shenanigans. What's even weirder is that by trying to absolve her, they actually make her out to be as dumb as a rock. It backfires on them making the whole things feel weird to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamOctober 3, 2021 at 9:51 PM

      She did come off as incredibly dumb and naïve, but I didn't pick up on that being wrong since I wasn't familiar with her.

      Delete

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