Not nearly the first attempt to tell American televangelist superstar Tammy Faye Messner’s story, director Dana Adam Shapiro (“Murderball”) has breathed some life into what certainly had infinite potential to be a highly repetitive story. Even for those like myself with little knowledge of Messner’s life, the style and content of the film represent something much larger than her role as a television personality.
The infamous story is largely told by Jay Bakker, son of Messner and her first husband, Jim Bakker, the televangelist preacher whose name is attached to a multifaceted scandal that included financial and sexual scandals. The narrative, while fascinating, takes an incredibly long buildup. In fact, by the time the second episode of the four-part series wrapped (only the first two episodes screened at Sundance), we had barely scratched the surface of their eventual demise.
In fact, the slower buildup to the salacious circumstances that the audience is expecting is likely a nod to Shapiro’s intent to be better than the snappy headlines that reduced Messner to her scandal. “Better Angels” is absolutely successful in humanizing the woman involved in one of the most titillating phenomena the world has ever seen. Behind the iconic makeup look that drag queens would envy and eventually mimic, the series provides the audience with ample opportunity to feel as though we really do know Tammy’s heart behind the lashes. Hearing from Jay Bakker connects us to her in a more personal way than has been previously done. Their relationship is a lifeline through a film that otherwise might have fallen victim to being just another story repeat.
The word “conventional” comes to mind in terms of the documentary’s format itself; it certainly abides by a classic streaming-style. The film is predominantly heavy in archival — which can be fun when there is so much to choose from, thanks to the countless hours of TV footage that exists — and we find ourselves immersed in the three-dimensional movement of old photographs. Additionally, it relies on talking heads to take us through the events, including a brief few frames of Jessica Chastain, who played Messner in the 2021 drama, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.”
Messner’s interaction with Rev. Stephen Pieters, who has since passed, is undoubtedly the most emotional takeaway from the episodes. At the time of their 1985 interview on live television, Pieters was HIV-positive, and Messner advocated for less judgment against the gay community. Her empathy and concern for the issue, at such a crucial time to do so, absolutely evoked a feeling of hope for the world that I carried out of the theater with me.
Despite its imperfections, this take on older events is hugely relevant for a new generation to watch. At a time of such political polarization in America, much of it affiliated with Christianity, it is a necessary time for individuals on each side to reflect upon themselves and their relationship — or lack thereof — with faith of any kind. “Better Angels” truly nudges audiences to find humanity in one another despite appearances — and that reminder is never untimely.