The Eyes of Tammy Faye Movie Review

In recent years, Michael Showalter has become one of the best directors in Hollywood. Showalter has really broadened his horizons as a filmmaker, directing a range of different films in different genres, including drama, comedy and raunchy comedies. Showalter has helmed ‘The Big Sick’, ‘The Lovebirds’, and ‘Hello My Name is Doris’ in recent years. In 2021, Showalter continued this trend with another flick, this time changing genres once again for a Biopic, ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’. The film follows the real life, rise, fall and eventual redemption of Tammy Faye, a legendary televangelist from the 1980s who built a considerable wealth from her religious broadcasting network and theme park. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Tammy Faye and Andrew Garfield as her husband Jim Baker. 

I will be completely honest, the trailer didn’t grip me for this film, but in Michael Showalter I trust and boy am I glad I did. This film was a stark and interesting look into the life of someone I knew frightening little about. Jessica Chastain brings this larger than life character to life, giving one of the best performances of her already impressive career. She transitions seamlessly into the role, I honestly lost sight of Chastain and only saw Tammy Faye. Chastain is once again recognised at this years Oscar’s for her fantastic performance as Tammy Faye. The makeup and hairstyling team lead by the wonderful Ashleigh Chavis (Black Panther, Masterminds, Dirty Grandpa). Andrew Garfield also employs some of his famed Peter Parker/Spider-Man charm as Tammy Faye’s other half, Jim Baker. He is fantastic here as well, proving once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in front of the camera. 

Director Michael Showalter employs a grand sense of realism to this story. Due to its subject matter and Tammy Faye as a character being a larger than life and prominent figure, Showalter knows to highlight exactly that, putting the focus back on the performers, proving to audiences once again that he is very much an actors directors. 

Overall, I had a great time with ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’. The film is bonkers at time, and the way this story is told makes it feel unique and far different from other biopics out there. I would highly recommend this for people who are interested in this story. Be sure to head over to you local Sanity or online, to pick up a copy of ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ on DVD or Blu-Ray, you won’t want to miss this one. 

Buy The Eyes Of Tammy Faye on DVD or Blu-ray here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here