By Mr. Will Wong

Director Michael Showalter (The Lovebirds, The Big Sick) is back with THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, based on the 2000 Documentary of the same name. Centering on the rise and fall of Television Evangelists Jim and Tammy Bakker (Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain), the subject matter is sensational – but so are the performances!

Showalter and Screenwriter Abe Sylvia create something rather magical here and while on paper, our main subject might be misunderstood, having been so closely-tied to the fraud committed by her convict husband, what we get here actually is a sympathetic portrait of Tammy Faye Baker. We see the lack of privilege from which she is brought-up, to becoming a beloved Television Personality and Singer. She is the woman behind the successful man, and when he stops loving her, all she hopes is that he will love her back, all while living a life of ridiculous extravagance. The Film recounts her downward spiral, which includes addiction to prescription pills as she navigates life through a loveless marriage.

Chastain has gifted us with a phenomenal body of work over the years, however this stands as her finest performance. She captures so perfectly Tammy Faye Baker‘s pain and wounds, as well as her unwavering love of God so beautifully that it is impossible not to be affected by her work. She delivers a real tour-de-force in the Film’s final musical number. And seeing her take a stand for those living with AIDS truly is a visceral moment evincing her true understanding of Tammy Faye Bakker‘s essence. Chastain acts as a vessel for Baker‘s pure soul, and while the subject’s legacy may have been one of embarrassment to many, this performance makes us see exactly why it is so many people around the world were enamoured by her. We were left trembling.

Above this, Garfield truly shows his range here, giving us what it is that made Jim Bakker tick – power and money, sometimes kind and gentle, other times curt and vile. His work here is a true revelation.

Admittedly, the Film feels a bit long at times as we go back and forth on the excesses that filled the world of The Bakkers, but Showalter certainly makes it a fun ride. Without a doubt, we will be hearing a lot about this Film this coming Awards Season and expect the phenomenal Chastain to be front and center.

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE screens at TIFF ’21:

Mon, Sep 13 DIGITAL PREMIERE SCREENING digital TIFF Bell Lightbox Availability: Canada 5:00pm

Mon, Sep 13 IN-PERSON Visa Skyline Drive-In at Ontario Place 8:00pm

Sat, Sep 18 DIGITAL SECOND SCREENING digital TIFF Bell Lightbox Premium Availability: Canada 5:00pm

Searchlight Pictures and Mr. Will are delighted to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal to see TIFF ’21 selection THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE! Screenings take place Wednesday, September 15, 2021 as follows:

Toronto: Cineplex Cinemas Varsity, 7:00 pm
Montreal: Scotiabank Theatre, 7:00 pm
Vancouver: Cineplex International Village, 7:00 pm

Synopsis:

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE is an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. In the 1970s and 80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments, indicate your City.

For an extra chance, Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below.

Rules and regulations here.

Searchlight Pictures release THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE September 17, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)

Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his Feature directorial debut in tick, tick..BOOM! Hot on the success of IN THE HEIGHTS, comes this new Trailer for the Film.

tick, tick…BOOM arrives Fall 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Be prepared for a very Chastain Awards Season. Jessica Chastain is mesmerizing in this new Trailer as Tammy Faye Bakker in THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE!

Synopsis:

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE is an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. In the 1970s and 80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.

Searchlight Pictures release THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE September 17, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see TIFF ’17 selection BREATHE, the directorial debut of Andy Serkis. Screenings take place: Toronto (10/18), Vancouver, Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Victoria (all 10/23).

Synopsis:
Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield) spots a beautiful young woman named Diana (Claire Foy) at a cricket match and even though his friends tell him he doesn’t stand a chance, they fall in love and get married.

In 1959, the Cavendishes are in Kenya with their first child on the way when Robin is struck down by polio. The doctors say he’s paralyzed and only has a few months to live. They return to Britain, where Robin is confined to a hospital bed day in and day out, staying alive only thanks to a ventilator that keeps him breathing.

Although Robin would rather die than lie in a hospital bed for the rest of his life, Diana refuses to listen, saying their son needs his father. In order to bring back Robin’s will to live, Diana has to figure out how to get him out of the hospital and home, where she plans to care for him herself.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet at @mrwillw for an extra chance.

Elevation Pictures release BREATHE in select cities Friday, October 20, 2017 and wide Friday, November 3, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Following in the tradition of other Oscar hopefuls, motion-capture pioneer Andy Serkis brings his directorial debut to TIFF. Written by Oscar-nominated Screenwriter William Nicholson, Breathe, tells the true story of a man stricken with Polio and a woman who refuses to lose hope.

While in Kenya, Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield) became paralyzed from the neck down after contracting Polio. When he and his pregnant wife Diana return to England they are faced with a lifetime spent in cold, restrictive hospitals. Unwilling to accept the doctors’ dire prognosis, Robin and Diana decide to move home so he can be with his family. With the help of his friend Teddy (Hugh Bonneville), Robin is able to escape the prison of his bed through a wheelchair with a built-in respirator.

Although Breathe is about Robin, the Movie truly belongs to the remarkable Claire Foy who portrays Diana as more than a naïve girl in love but rather a woman with strong beliefs who is not prepared to give-up. Strong performances overcome Nitin Sawhney’s dreadful Score are sure to help drive the Festival popularity of this by-the-numbers Biography.

Elevation Pictures will screen Breathe at TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Monday, September 11 6:00 p.m. Roy Thomson Hall
Tuesday, September 12 10:00 a.m. Winter Garden Theatre

TIFF ’17 continues to go amazingly-well for us, but even being at the half-way mark we’re still not done!  Check out some of the amazing sightings we had today!

MARK FELT: THE MAN WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE has all the pedigree of a winner. The Drama centers on “Deep Throat“, the man who as an anonymous source led to the Watergate Scandal investigation. Its stars Liam Neeson, Diane Lane and Tony Goldwyn and premieres tonight at Ryerson Theatre.  We spotted Neeson and Lane out earlier and they were both amazingly- nice, taking a quick moment to stop. We’re in love with our Selfie with Neeson and Lane has starred in two of our faves, Secretariat and Unfaithful!

#TIFF17: Can I say how EPIC this #TIFF2017 has been? 💪 #LiamNeeson!!! He is here for #MarkFelt. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 11:39am PDT

#TIFF17: #DianeLane at #TIFF2017 with #MarkFelt. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 11:25am PDT

BREATHE is coming into TIFF ’17 with lots of buzz. The Tearjerker marks Andy Serkis‘ directorial debut and is based on its Producer Jonathan Cavendish‘s parents’ story. Robin Cavendish, his father, is known for breaking ground in helping the severely-disabled gain freedom with mobility chairs.  Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, long with Serkis were out and about today doing Press and it was a pure joy seeing them interact with their fans!

#TIFF17: #AndySerkis at #TIFF2017 with directorial debut #Breathe. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #PlanetoftheApes

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 10:54am PDT

#TIFF17: #ClaireFoy, star of #TheCrown at #TIFF2017 with #Breathe. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT

#TIFF17: #AndrewGarfield at #TIFF2017 with #Breathe. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF #SpiderMan #Spidey

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 10:54am PDT

#TIFF17: #AndrewGarfield + #ClaireFoy at #TIFF2017 with #Breathe. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 10:06pm PDT

#TIFF17: Sad I couldn’t get the Selfie with #ClaireFoy, but at least I got to say “hi”. #Breathe #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TheCrown #TIFF2017

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 9:48pm PDT

HOSTILES also premieres tonight at Princess of Wales Theatre and stars Academy Award winner Christian Bale and Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike. The Duo were out and about earlier promoting the Film and while they were private largely most of the day we were lucky to spot them amidst their hectic schedule. The Drama is about a US Cavalry Officer who accompanies reluctantly, a Cheyenne War Chief and his family back to their tribal lands. Bale is  sporting a new look for his role as Dick Cheney, hence if you couldn’t recognize him, someone’s done their job good!

#TIFF17: #Batman himself #ChristianBale at #TIFF2017 with #Hostiles. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TheDarkKnight #DarkKnight

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 10:54am PDT

#TIFF17: With #GoneGirl herself, #RosamundPike, here at #TIFF2017 with #Hostiles. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 10:54am PDT

We loved chatting with Ari Graynor, Dave Franco and Paul Scheer about their new Film THE DISASTER ARTIST, premiering at Midnight Madness. While James Franco was to be a part of the chat, alas he was behind schedule. We did find him on the Red Carpet though where he was really giving to Media and fans! And even Rachel McAdams and Cult Icon Tommy Wiseau whom James Franco portrays, came out! You will LOVE this Film. It is hilarious! Check back towards the Holidays as our chat goes live.

#TIFF17: Loved chatting with #AriGraynor, #DaveFranco and #PaulScheer about #TheDisasterArtist. Check back close to its Holiday release for the interview!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 1:35pm PDT

#TIFF17: Hello James. 🖐 #TIFF2017 #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #JamesFranco #TheDisasterArtist

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 12:34am PDT

#TIFF17: Cult legend #TommyWiseau at #TIFF2017 for #TheDisasterArtist. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF #TheRoom

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 9:26pm PDT

#TIFF17: #PaulScheer at #TIFF2017 with #TheDisasterArtist. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 9:23pm PDT

#TIFF17: #DaveFranco at #TIFF2017 with his portrayal of Greg Sestero, star of #TheRoom in #TheDisasterArtist. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #DavidFranco

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 11:56pm PDT

#TIFF17: #AlisonBrie at #TIFF2017 with #TheDisasterArtist. Love her recent work on Netflix's #Glow! #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #ZoyaTheDestroya

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2017 at 11:58pm PDT

#TIFF17: Real-life and on-screen couple #DaveFranco + #AlisonBrie at the #TIFF2017 Premiere of #TheDisasterArtist. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 12:06am PDT

#TIFF17: #RachelMcAdams attends the #TIFF2017 Premiere of #TheDisasterArtist. She stars in #Disobedience at the Festival. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 12:04am PDT

#TIFF17: Cheek to cheek with #JamesFranco, Star and Director of #TheDisasterArtist. #TIFF2017 #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TheRoom #TommyWiseau

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 12:01am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto and Montreal a chance to see first, Martin Scorcese‘s SILENCE. Screenings take place as follows:

Toronto (Thursday January 5th) – Cineplex Cinemas Varsity & VIP @ 7:00PM

Montreal (Wednesday January 4th) – Cinéma Cineplex Forum @ 7:00PM

Synopsis:
Martin Scorsese’s SILENCE tells the story of two Christian missionaries (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) who face the ultimate test of faith when they travel to Japan in search of their missing mentor (Liam Neeson) – at a time when Christianity was outlawed and their presence forbidden.  The celebrated director’s 28-year journey to bring  Shusaku Endo’s 1966 acclaimed novel to life will be in theaters this Christmas.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City.

Paramount Pictures Canada release SILENCE Friday, January 6, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a HACKSAW RIDGE Prize Pack!  Packs include Run-of-Engagement Passes, a St. John’s Ambulance Kit, an official T-Shirt and Posters! Directed by Mel Gibson, the Film stars Teresa Palmer, Andrew Garfield, Luke Bracey and Vince Vaughn.

Synopsis:

The film depicts the true-life heroic story of American soldier Desmond Doss who saved 75 men serving as a medic in WWII all while refusing to hold a gun because of his personal beliefs as a conscientious objector.

Trailer:

Artwork:

See the swag:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK! Please specify your request size for the T-Shirt! Canadian Readers only, please.

Elevation Pictures release HACKSAW RIDGE on Friday, November 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see Venice Film Festival selection HACKSAW RIDGE, directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield.

Screenings take place on in the following cities Thursday, October 27, 2016 in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax.

Synopsis:

The film depicts the true-life heroic story of American soldier Desmond Doss who saved 75 men serving as a medic in WWII all while refusing to hold a gun because of his personal beliefs as a conscientious objector.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City!

Elevation Pictures release HACKSAW RIDGE on Friday, November 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)