Opening this Friday September 24th in theaters is the biography of one of the most widely known religious celebrities of our time, The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Tammy Faye Bakker had all the charm, pluck and dedication to achieve what she believed in, more so than most of the male evangelists of the 60’s. Her singing voice could wow a crowd and convince them that it was the voice from heaven. But, even though the film covers these highlights it’s what you didn’t know about Tammy Faye and her husband Jim Bakker that makes the true story captivating.
During her early years as a child Tammy Faye, although forbidden by her mother to attend, was drawn to God at a revival. From that point in her life she dedicated herself to the lord. Her future blossomed when she attended North Central Bible College where she met and outspoken Jim Bakker. So enamored by Jim she urged him to follow his dreams and the couple began their climb to the top of Christian TV.
Director Michael Showalter drives his story with fuel from biographies, TV shows, and the press letting everything hang out. With a pernicious rise to fame the film shows Tammy as the driving force behind her husband Jim. Delivering two fine lead performances, Showalter pulls his audience into their personal life, stage/TV careers and then their final spiral down to an unexpected sorrowful dead-end.
What makes the film work are the excellent performances by the whole cast. Jessica Chastain depicts the determined Tammy on her rise to fame and fortune. Her Tammy takes control of her future by pushing her husband Jim to become a rising star as a televangelist. She’s reckless however, taking chances manipulating those who may block Jim’s way forward. A true artist herself, Tammy uses her singing voice and persuasiveness to gain fame and power. It’s an award winning role and Jessica and at this point she should be the frontrunner.
The Eyes of Tammy Faye has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sexual content and drug abuse. While there have been documentaries and other biographic films about the Bakkers, this one is probably the best I’ve seen. The film that holds back nothing and includes their personal marital lives, sins and the misuse of funds. For those who like tell-all biographies, this one knocks it out of the park.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield, Cherry Jones, Fredric Lehne, Louis Cancelmi, Sam Jaeger, Gabriel Olds, Mark Wystrach, Vincent D’Onofrio
Directed by: Michael Showalter
Genre: Drama, Biography, True Story
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and drug abuse.
Running Time: 2 hr. 6 min.
Opening Date: September 24, 2021
Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
