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‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ and a Missed Opportunity
From 1966 until 1987 Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker were the hottest thing on Christian television. While their ministry started with puppets and kids’ sermons, they eventually grew into a mega-conglomerate of all things Christianity, which included a television station that ran 24 hours a day, an amusement park, praise and worship records, and so much more. But as The Eyes of Tammy Faye shows, their reign as successful televangelists came with many consequences and a fiery downfall.
A young lady at the time, Tammy Faye (Jessica Chastain) meets Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield) at Bible school in the early 1960s. After leaving their studies to get married, the two embark on a traveling ministry. Soon their act is brought to Pat Robinson (Gabriel Olds) who puts them on the air. One day Jim talks about his idea for a late night show for Christians and helps establish the popular The 700 Club. But working for someone else isn’t enough for Jim. Consumed by the idea of success — for Jesus Christ of course — the Bakkers break away to create their own television program known as The PTL Club.
Glitz and glam dazzle on screen and off as The PTL Club grows and money from sponsors come flooding in. Tammy Faye enjoys the thrills of shopping sprees and permanent makeup, big houses and shiny cars, all of which is funded through donations. But there is a love…
