Michael Showalter: The Eyes of Tammy Faye & the Nerd Culture Happy Hour
Sep 21, 2021
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Michael Showalter, a filmmaker known for his work on 'The Big Sick' and 'Wet Hot American Summer,' discusses his latest film, 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye.' He explores themes of faith and resilience reflected in the movie, along with the shifting landscape of film consumption post-pandemic. The conversation also dives into the cultural significance of nostalgic shows, the ethics of superpowers, and the joy of craft beer culture. Expect light-hearted banter, deep reflections on identity and storytelling, and insights on fandom in today's media landscape.
Michael Showalter emphasizes how 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' reinterprets the evangelical experience through the lens of empathy during the AIDS crisis.
The podcast discusses the cultural critique of the commercialization of faith, highlighting the tension between personal belief and public image within evangelicalism.
A fascinating dialogue emerges around the intersection of faith and popular culture, pondering how modern narratives can reshape perceptions of complex religious figures.
Deep dives
Exploration of 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye'
The podcast features a discussion centered around the film 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye', directed by Michael Showalter. The film explores the lives of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, highlighting Tammy's unique influence on the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Unlike the documentary upon which it is based, the film presents a traditional biopic format, focusing on the origin stories of both characters. The portrayal of these figures serves to humanize them and raise questions about their roles within the evangelical culture they were part of.
Cultural Reflection on Evangelicalism
The podcast dives into the cultural implications of the film, particularly in relation to the evangelical movement in America. There's a notable discussion on how the film critiques the commercialization of the evangelical experience and the conflict between personal faith and public perception. The film opens up dialogues about power dynamics, celebrity, and the complexities of faith in contemporary society. Aspects of Tammy Faye's character, such as her empathy and childlike faith, are emphasized as a counter-narrative to the prevailing attitudes of the era.
Personal Connections to the Narrative
Both hosts share personal insights regarding the relevance of Tammy Faye's story in today's world, drawing parallels between her experiences and the current evangelical landscape. The narrative invites viewers to reflect on their own faith journeys amidst societal pressures and divisions. The film acts as a lens for examining the complexities of individuals within broader cultural movements, encouraging viewers to empathize with those often marginalized. Through the exploration of attraction and repulsion towards the evangelical story, the film fosters a sense of understanding toward the struggles of individuals seeking acceptance.
Pop Culture Phenomenon: Nerd Discussions
The conversation transitions into the realm of pop culture, tackling various franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel, along with other titles, including Disney+ shows. Listeners' questions spark debates about character developments and upcoming projects, particularly the anticipation surrounding the Lord of the Rings series and future Marvel productions. The discussions reflect a deep engagement with popular narratives and the cultural significance of these franchises. The hosts make parallels between their personal lives and the media they consume, emphasizing the interconnectedness of storytelling and societal challenges.
The Role of Religion in Film and Media
An insightful discussion emerges around the portrayal of religion in modern cinema, prompted by questions about how faith-based narratives intersect with popular culture. The hosts consider how films like 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' resonate with larger themes of authenticity and critique of organized religion. They reflect on how these narratives challenge traditional portrayals of faith and the implications of representing complicated figures from religious backgrounds. This dialogue underscores a need for more nuanced storytelling that addresses the complexities of faith, power, and humanity.
Narratives of Division and Unity
The podcast concludes with contemplations about the potential for narratives that explore themes of division and unity, particularly within American society. Both hosts discuss the societal impact of cultural identities and their intersection with religion, politics, and personal belief systems. This contemplation invites listeners to consider how stories reflect or challenge their own experiences, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue around these topics. Ultimately, the conversation parallels the themes of 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye', rooting the discussion in personal and shared human experiences.
Michael Showalter is here to talk about his newest film, The Eyes of Tammy Faye. He first got his start as a founding member of the sketch comedy troupes The State and Stella, and well as co-writing and staring in the now classic film, Wet Hot American Summer.
More recently, he directed The Lovebirds (Paramount/MRC), a comedy starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani. He also directed the 2017 Academy Award-nominated film The Big Sick, starring Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, and the 2016 SXSW award-winning film Hello, My Name Is Doris, starring Sally Field, which he also co-wrote.
Michael is a co-creator of TBS critically-acclaimed series Search Party, starring Alia Shawkat, and is an executive producer of the CW series In The Dark, created by Corinne Kingsbury, in which he also directed the pilot episode.
In 2019, Michael directed Ray Romano in his first stand-up special in 23 years titled Right Here, Around the Corner, now available to watch on Netflix. Michael has done a number of other projects with Netflix, including co-creating the TV mini-series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp and Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later.
His film credits include They Came Together, a satire of romantic comedies starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler, and The Baxter, inspired by the stylings of a Howard Hawks comedy. In addition to film, Michael has directed numerous episodes of television shows including Grace & Frankie and LOVE.
In addition to Showalter, I am joined by my friend and scholar of religion and pop-culture - Dr. Ryan Parker. In our conversation we disuss...