The film is mostly remembered for Dustin Hoffman's outstanding portrayal of Dorothy, the bespectacled, conservative woman who stands for neither discrimination nor nonsense
Tootsie (1982)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:38
Fresh:33
Rotten:5
Average Rating:7.5/10
Synopsis: When theatrical mastermind Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) finds himself blacklisted by just about every producer in the acting business, he decides to thwart the entertainment industry by... When theatrical mastermind Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) finds himself blacklisted by just about every producer in the acting business, he decides to thwart the entertainment industry by disguising himself as an older woman and auditioning for a daytime soap opera. Dorsey arrives for the audition in a dress and makeup. Calling himself Dorothy Michaels, he/she gives an astonishing screen test and is hired on the spot by the show's executive (Dabney Coleman). Dorsey is an overnight sensation with the show's fans, but as his secret career escalates, his relationship with his girlfriend (Teri Garr) suffers. Soon Dorsey finds a new romantic interest at work with his co-star, Julie. The only problem is, Julie thinks Dorsey is a woman and it's not long before she's trying to fix up Dorothy with her single father. In the tradition of Mel Brooks's THE PRODUCERS, Sydney Pollack's TOOTSIE is a rich, funny, complex film. In featuring Hoffman as the smock-wearing protagonist, its boldness exposes movie-goers to the hilarious challenges faced by a modern cross-dresser. At the same time, the film promoted tolerance for transgendered people. Hoffman is unforgettable as the actor so desperate for work that he'll dress as a woman to get it, and supporting players Geena Davis and Bill Murray create plenty of comedy relief to help the plot along. [More]
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Charles Durning, Bill Murray
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Charles Durning, Bill Murray, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Geena Davis, Sydney Pollack
Director: Sydney Pollack
Director: Sydney Pollack
Reviews for Tootsie
Pollack's easy-going, gender-bending comedy seems to have grown in stature and reputation with age, and it is not difficult to see why.
A sparkling turn by Hoffman and an absolutely fabulous cast make this a risk -- and a risque -- success.
One of the funniest things I have ever seen was Dustin Hoffman weeping uncontrollably as he recounted how he never truly understood the inner pain and torment of what it felt like to be an ugly woman until he made Tootsie.
People would have you believe this film was the Rosetta Stone of comedy, whereas it's really just an ok film dominated by television actors.
...there are several solid laughs and some excellent supporting performances.
...an amiable and frequently hilarious comedy that boasts one of the most effective performances of Hoffman's career.
One of the best and most significant comedies of the 1980s: Unlike Curtis and Lemmon in Some Like It Hot, when Dustin Hoffman is in drag, it does change his attitude toward sex, women, and courtship. Pollack is here at his best as a commercial director.
A rousing comedy that deals with the agonies and ecstasies of the acting profession, the confusion of sexual roles, and the importance of lovers being friends.
The tone is quick-witted and appealing, with some of the smartest dialogue this side of Billy Wilder...
...a perfect setup for some funny and provocative jabs at women’s lib, gender consciousness, equal rights, sexual freedom, as well as soap operas.
Latest News for Tootsie
May 26, 2008:
Sydney Pollack dies aged 73
Academy Award-winning director, producer and actor, Sydney Pollack, dies aged 73. More...
June 22, 2007:
AFI Announces Top 100 Movies of All Time ... Again
Ten years ago the AFI gave us a list of the Top 100 American Films Ever Made -- and when that was done they churned out 15 other lists every few years. And then last night they... More...
January 19, 2006:
Trailer Bulletin: She's the Man
Anyone remember the teenaged "Tootsie" with the gender-twist called "Just One of the Guys"? The one where the hot teenage girl posed as a guy and got into... More...
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