The Eyes of Tammy Faye 2000
Directed by
Fenton Bailey
Made by
Lions Gate Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Tammy Faye LaValley falls head over heels for Jim Bakker while attending North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Despite her mother Rachel’s disapproval, they tie the knot and leave college behind to spread their message and inspire Christian communities across the nation. The couple’s passionate preaching captures the attention of Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), leading them to host the beloved children’s show Jim and Tammy. Jim eventually becomes the first host of CBN’s The 700 Club, welcoming their daughter, Tammy Sue.
At a party, Tammy and Jim encounter the conservative pastor Jerry Falwell, who shows interest in collaborating with CBN. However, after a heated disagreement where Tammy criticizes the intertwining of faith and politics, she encourages Jim to set up their own television network to maintain control over their programming. Consequently, they leave CBN and establish the PTL Satellite Network, with their flagship program, The PTL Club, gaining popularity over time. In an effort to support their family, Tammy invites her mother Rachel and stepfather Fred to stay with them at their Tega Cay, South Carolina estate, where Rachel’s suspicions about PTL’s financial practices begin to intensify.
As public scrutiny increases regarding PTL’s finances, Tammy’s relationship with music producer Gary S. Paxton becomes flirtatious, prompting Jim to dismiss him after the birth of their son, Jay. Throughout the 1980s, Jim devotes himself to developing a Christian theme park, while Tammy struggles with addiction to pills and becomes disillusioned with Falwell’s political influence. Her advocacy takes a bold turn when she invites AIDS patient and Christian pastor Steve Pieters for an interview, promoting support for the LGBTQ+ community, which starkly contrasts with Falwell’s condemning remarks.
Amid tensions, Tammy collapses during a broadcast, igniting a fierce argument with Jim over their crumbling relationship. As scandals surrounding PTL’s financial mismanagement and Jim’s alleged affairs come to light, Falwell seizes control of PTL. Ultimately, Jim is imprisoned for fraud.
By 1994, amidst the fallout, Tammy and Jim have officially divorced. With Rachel gone, Tammy grapples with reviving her career and finds herself hesitant to accept an invitation to be the special guest at a Christian concert at Oral Roberts University. With trepidation, she performs a heartfelt rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic, envisioning a powerful gospel choir accompanying her.
An epilogue reveals that Falwell passed away in 2007, Jim returned to televangelism with a revived PTL after his release from prison, while Tammy passionately supported LGBTQ+ communities until her death on July 20, 2007, at her home in Loch Lloyd, near Kansas City, Missouri, after an eleven-year battle with cancer, at the age of 65.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tammy Meets Jim
Tammy Faye LaValley first encounters Jim Bakker while attending North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their instant connection leads to deep romance despite Tammy's mother's disapproval, setting the stage for their future together.
Marriage and Mission
In defiance of her mother, Tammy and Jim marry and leave college behind. They embark on a mission to spread their message and inspire Christian communities throughout the United States.
Rise to Fame
The couple's passionate preaching catches the attention of Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). They begin hosting the children's program *Jim and Tammy*, gaining popularity and visibility in the Christian community.
The 700 Club
Jim becomes the first host of CBN's *The 700 Club*, dedicating time to prayer and religious discussions. Their daughter, Tammy Sue, is welcomed into the world, enriching their family life and furthering their public persona.
Conflict with Jerry Falwell
During a party encounter, the couple meets conservative pastor Jerry Falwell, who proposes a collaboration. An argument erupts when Tammy criticizes the merger of faith and politics, prompting them to consider independence.
Establishment of PTL Network
After their fallout with CBN, Tammy and Jim launch the PTL Satellite Network. They create the flagship program, *The PTL Club*, which quickly gains a following, showcasing their vision and unique style.
Family Living
To help support their growing family, Tammy invites her mother Rachel and stepfather Fred to live with them at their estate in Tega Cay, South Carolina. Rachel begins to grow suspicious of the financial practices of the PTL Network.
Flirtation and Dismissal
While PTL faces increasing scrutiny, Tammy develops a flirtatious relationship with music producer Gary S. Paxton. This relationship leads Jim to dismiss Paxton after the birth of their son, Jay, amidst growing tensions.
Struggles with Addiction
Throughout the 1980s, Tammy battles her addiction to pills as she becomes disillusioned with Jerry Falwell's rising influence in politics. This struggle adds strain to her marriage and public image.
Support for LGBTQ+ Community
Tammy invites AIDS patient and pastor Steve Pieters for a televised interview, challenging societal norms and showcasing her support for the LGBTQ+ community. This move starkly contrasts with Falwell's conservative views.
Broadcast Collapse
During a live broadcast, Tammy collapses, which triggers a heated argument with Jim over their deteriorating relationship. This event marks a significant turning point in their personal and professional lives.
Falwell Takes Control
As scandals emerge regarding financial mismanagement and Jim's alleged affairs, Jerry Falwell seizes control of PTL. Jim Bakker is subsequently imprisoned for fraud, leading to the disintegration of their empire.
Divorce and New Challenges
In 1994, following the fallout from the scandals, Tammy and Jim officially divorce. Struggling with her career, Tammy faces hesitation when invited to perform at a Christian concert, reflecting on her past.
Heartfelt Performance
Despite her fears, Tammy delivers a moving rendition of *Battle Hymn of the Republic* at a concert at Oral Roberts University. She envisions a gospel choir accompanying her, signaling a potential revival of her career.
Legacy and Death
Tammy Faye passes away on July 20, 2007, after an eleven-year battle with cancer, at her home in Loch Lloyd, near Kansas City, Missouri. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities and her impact on televangelism leave a lasting legacy.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tammy Faye LaValley
Tammy Faye LaValley is a passionate and complex character, known for her strong conviction and charismatic persona. Despite her struggles with addiction and the tumultuous relationship with her husband, she remains a figure of advocacy and empathy, particularly towards marginalized communities, demonstrating resilience in her later years.
Jim Bakker
Jim Bakker is a charismatic yet flawed televangelist whose ambition ultimately leads to his downfall. Despite his initial success in the media, his choices betray the trust of his followers and contribute to the dissolution of his marriage, presenting a multifaceted view of leadership and personal failure.
Rachel
Rachel is Tammy's mother who embodies traditional values and skepticism towards her daughter's choices. Her disapproval and growing concerns about the financial practices of PTL add tension to the family dynamics, grounding Tammy's journey in familial relationships.
Tammy Sue
Tammy Sue, the daughter of Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker, represents the generational impact of her parents' decisions. While she is often caught in the turmoil of their public lives, she seeks to define her own identity amidst the legacy of fame and scandal.
Jerry Falwell
Jerry Falwell is a prominent conservative pastor whose views often clash with Tammy's progressive ideals. His influence in the evangelical community and his role in the rising tensions surrounding the PTL network reflect the intersection of faith and politics during a turbulent era.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1980s - 1994
The movie encapsulates the dramatic rise and fall of Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker during the 1980s, a period marked by religious fervor and the intertwining of faith with politics in America. Their journey includes television success, personal struggles, public scrutiny, and the eventual unraveling of their relationship and empire, culminating in their divorce in 1994.
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tega Cay, South Carolina, Loch Lloyd, Kansas City, Missouri
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is where Tammy Faye LaValley first meets Jim Bakker and begins her journey into the world of televangelism. Tega Cay, South Carolina, is the couple's estate, serving as a backdrop for both their personal and financial struggles. Lastly, Loch Lloyd, near Kansas City, Missouri, is where Tammy spent her final days, fighting a battle with cancer.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Betrayal
The film explores the complexities of love in the face of betrayal, particularly as Tammy grapples with Jim's infidelities and the strain of their crumbling marriage. Despite her deep affection for him, Tammy's journey reveals the painful repercussions of deception and moral conflicts within their relationship.
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Media & Influence
Media plays a central role in shaping the lives of Tammy and Jim, demonstrating how television can be a powerful tool for spreading messages but also a source of vulnerability. Their rise to fame through broadcasting juxtaposes the personal and public personas they project, complicating their legacy.
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Advocacy & Acceptance
Tammy Faye becomes a notable advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in contrast to the conservative views of her contemporaries. Her willingness to speak out for marginalized groups highlights themes of acceptance and compassion, underscoring the importance of kindness within the faith community.
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Scandal & Consequence
The financial scandals that envelop PTL reflect broader themes of greed and accountability within religious institutions. The fallout from these actions leads to personal and professional ruin for Tammy and Jim, illustrating how unchecked ambition can lead to significant consequences.
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