The Eyes of Tammy Faye

This one is a biographical dive into the extraordinary and eccentric life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. The story spans from her humble beginnings to her rise, fall, and semi-redemption, painting a surprisingly compassionate portrait of a figure many only know for mascara and scandal. I was hooked by how the film manages to humanize someone who was once a media punchline, reminding us of the complexities behind larger-than-life public personas.

What really stood out to me was Jessica Chastain's powerhouse performance. She disappears into the role with uncanny accuracy, from Tammy Faye's signature high-pitched voice to her infectious optimism, even when everything is unraveling. Andrew Garfield, as Jim Bakker, is also excellent, but Chastain dominates every scene. Their chemistry is compelling even as the Bakker empire begins to fracture.

Visually, the film is a treat, especially with its campy '80s costumes, pastel sets, and absolutely wild makeup—the attention to period detail is spot on. The cinematography uses a soft, almost dreamy palette that underlines the absurdity and tragedy of their world. It’s not exactly subtle, but the film wears its heart (and sequins) proudly on its sleeve.

Story-wise, it sometimes glosses over the darker complexities of the Bakker scandals, opting instead for sympathy. The pacing is brisk, but you may wish the movie spent more time digging into the legal and moral implications. Still, I appreciated how the script focused on Tammy Faye's unique kindness and her outspokenness in the evangelical community, especially regarding people living with HIV/AIDS.

You would enjoy this if you like character-driven biopics, enjoy a little glitz and kitsch, or want something that finds humor and heart amidst controversy. It’s definitely for folks who like stories of complicated, flawed people—maybe with a fondness for tabloid history!