The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2022)

The story of Tammy Faye and her husband Jim is not one that is unknown in contemporary society but it is one that had managed to pass me by. Jessica Chastain won an Oscar for her portrayal of Tammy earlier this year, depicting an individual who rose from humble upbringings to become one of the most recognised faces in America. Her and Jim (a thoroughly believable Andrew Garfield) experience a meteoric rise as they create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network (and theme park) thanks in large part to their astonishing ability to attract followers through the medium of television. At times the extravagance of their live performances brings to mind the Las Vegas dancing displays of Showgirls (1995), and although The Eyes Of Tammy Faye never veers into the depravity of Verhoeven’s world, the eventual actions of its two main characters are certainly not to be diminished or dismissed; the riches they live off from the pockets of their own believing followers is utterly contemptible. The film doesn’t attempt to downplay the charges against the couple, although towards the end it does seem to side with Tammy somewhat; whether you believe that she was completely ignorant of everything that was going on is for you to think about. Chastain is fantastic, her performance suggests she was passionate about every aspect of this story, and Garfield does very well to make his presence equally as felt. The film is solid and safe, the make up is astonishing, and the performances hold you in it, even if it doesn’t take quite as many risks as the characters it’s depicting. 7.0/10