The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Although I didn't remember many details I clearly recall Jim and Tammy Faye from things going on in the mid- to late-1980s. This movie focuses on Tammy Faye but her story can't be told without focusing on how she and Jim got together in the first place and their rocky years as televangelists.

Count me among the skeptics over televangelists in general. My favorite biblical passage (slightly modified) concerns this, "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is to find a totally honest televangelist." Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggert, just two of the charlatans who preached the word while enriching themselves and behaving badly. Look around today and you'll find many more still in business.

But why blame them? If it weren't for the gullible flock who believe their gas-lighting and lies, who send in donations so that they can be "saved", the televangelists wouldn't exist. Jim was crooked, Tammy Faye was gullible, they both were weak and couldn't resist living the lifestyle of luxury that their ministry allowed.

Although a bit too long, a really good movie, especially for those of us who remember Jim and Tammy Faye when they were in their prime. Chastain, who also was a producer, simply nails the role as Tammy Faye, and she also does all her own singing. I already knew she was talented, I just didn't know how talented. And, she did win the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance.

At home, on DVD from our public library.

For starters: the acting was very decent, but the story avoided edgy criticism to the money grabbing TV pastors. Yes there was a taste of that but could have beeen more shown. I do not buy it that there was any genuin faith in Tammy and Jim's life, except the faith of money. After checking Jim Bakker his Wikipedia bio, I really think he is much worse person than portrayed in this movie, specially what he has been doing last couple of years! I urge you to read that.(from "Return to televangelism" & further) because in the movie his story ends being in jail... Horrible man! Tammy Faye SEEMS much more likeable but again, I do not buy the love for God part, only the love for money..... Movie is "noncontroversial.

In this bio pic, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim, create a religious network to reach millions of people and bring them closer to God, but Jim's shady business dealings and lustful urges bring them to their knees.

Both Chastian and Garfield are wonderful as Tammy and Jim and Chastain even does her own singing, acquitting herself nicely. Cherry Jones is also wonderful as Tammy's disapproving mother.

Make your punters feel the urge to part with cash, chuck some lippy on, to each eye, apply a large and long eyelash, tell them what they want to hear, push the boundaries as far as you dare, then wait for almighty retribution, while you're counting up your stash.

Great performances but ever so slightly shallow.

The film was decent. Its a bit annoying at first but you get used to the flow. And it is a must see for one big reason: Jessica Chastain! What a tremendous performance by her. She really soaked herself into that role f Tammy Faye and went through many great character developments. You really forget its Chastain from the very first second she is on screen. So far he best female leading performance I have seen this year and I am glad she is receiving all that awards attention. She is so much more than the film itself, which was not too bad, but also kind of your ordinary biopic.

Andrew Garfield was on the edge of overacting at times but generally okay. I really loved Cherry Jones who nailed the role of he mother quite perfectly.

I am not really familiar to the true story behind this movie so I cannot judge how accurate it is. I can just say that Chastain did her character justice, in the way that she defended her and allied with her but was objective enough to also portray and show the failures of Tammy Faye. It was more sides to show and I think Chastain perfectly embodied this.

From other perspectives it was quite well drafted, I loved the make up work and if you are into gospel I think you will have a blast with the soundtrack, too.