The Eyes of Tammy Faye

September 27 - 30
Mon - Tue 7:00
Wed 4:00 & 7:00 / Thur 7:00

October 1 - 7
Fri - Sat 7:00 / Sun 4:00
Mon-Tue 7:00 / Wed 4:00 / Thur 7:00

(USA / 2021 / Directed by Michael Showalter)

Based on the 2000 documentary of the same name, The Eyes of Tammy Faye stars Jessica Chastain as flamboyant televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in a captivating performance that is nothing short of alchemy.

Along with her husband, Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield), Tammy’s spectacular rise and fall from grace thrust her into the mainstream spotlight. Known for fashion and makeup choices that made her a regular subject of derision in late-night talk shows and popular culture, director Michael Showalter (The Big Sick, Hello My Name is Doris) brings sincerity and compassion to this portrait of her life.

Starting out as the secret child of her mother’s failed first marriage, Tammy came from humble beginnings. It wasn’t until years later that her fate changed through an unexpectedly passionate college courtship with Jim. Together, the couple preached, performed, and refined the prosperity gospel that would attract followers to their satellite network and Heritage USA theme park throughout the ‘80s. That’s until 1989, when at the height of their success, Jim was convicted for defrauding their viewers and donors.

Jessica Chastain is buttressed by strong performances from Andrew Garfield as Jim Bakker, whose soft-spokenness belied his laser-focused ambition, and by Vincent D’Onofrio as an imposing Jerry Falwell Sr. Showing both Tammy’s complicity and her resilience — always made-up and ready for a second act — The Eyes of Tammy Faye puts a complex character on dramatic display.

PG-13 / 2 hrs 6 mins.