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. .. Read more
| Starring | Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman |
|---|---|
| Director | Sydney Pollack |
| Genres | Comedy |
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One of the highlights of Dustin Hoffman's illustrious career, this cross-dressing comedy drama avoids all the obvious pitfalls and manages to make some pertinent comments on the role of women within both showbiz and society. Hoffman's Dorothy Michaels is a wonderfully realised creation and testament to the actor's painstaking preparation for a part. Director Sydney Pollack judges the shifts of tone to perfection, but special mention should be made of his clever pastiche of daytime soaps. Nominated for ten Oscars, the film landed only one — a best supporting statuette for Jessica Lange, who pipped co-star Teri Garr for the award.
As with Genevieve and Whisky Galore, an unlikely comedy subject makes an instant classic. It's all in the handling.
Hoffman plays an actor, quite as temperamental and impossible as Hoffman himself evidently is in real life, who... read more on Time Out
'Tootsie', funnily enough, is a film with balls. The idea of an out-of-work actor becoming a woman in order to revive his career may seem completely cliched nowadays, but Dustin Hoffman is electrifying to watch. When a man, he perfectly encapsulates frustration and determination; when Tootsie, he transforms these traits into a positive force for gender relations.
I would say, however, that the film's greatest strength is its greatest flaw. The comedy works well at the start, but by the half-way point it begins to drag, wading knee-deep into a contrived romantic sub-plot. Its heart is in the right place, and the script is far superior to crass farce such as 'Mrs Doubtfire', but the vivacity of Hoffman's performance highlights the need for a tighter pacing.
Thankfully the finale is a brilliantly executed surprise, and avoids the preachiness of subsequent films of this ilk. It may not be entirely realistic, or have the sympathetic characters that such a comedy would require nowadays, but 'Tootsie' is an eminently watchable and funny satire. It's just a shame that the film can't extend the dynamism it gives to its eponymous hero (ine?) to the piece as a whole.
Great film. This film ages reasonably well. Not a hilarious film, but a good chuckle and some great moments in it. Well worth watching. Hofmann as Tootsie is quite superb. Just goes to show what an increadibly versatile actor he really is.
Ever seen the movie Mrs Doubtfire? Most people have. This film is in a similar mould. Pretty much the same story only..........better.
See if you agree.
Ever seen the movie Mrs Doubtfire? Most people have. This film is in a similar mould. Pretty much the same story only..........better.
See if you agree.
Haven't seen this for years and had forgotten how funny this was, Dustin hoffman was superb and believable in this role
'Tootsie', funnily enough, is a film with balls. The idea of an out-of-work actor becoming a woman in order to revive his career may seem completely cliched nowadays, but Dustin Hoffman is electrifying to watch. When a man, he perfectly encapsulates frustration and determination; when Tootsie, he transforms these traits into a positive force for gender relations.
I would say, however, that the film's greatest strength is its greatest flaw. The comedy works well at the start, but by the half-way point it begins to drag, wading knee-deep into a contrived romantic sub-plot. Its heart is in the right place, and the script is far superior to crass farce such as 'Mrs Doubtfire', but the vivacity of Hoffman's performance highlights the need for a tighter pacing.
Thankfully the finale is a brilliantly executed surprise, and avoids the preachiness of subsequent films of this ilk. It may not be entirely realistic, or have the sympathetic characters that such a comedy would require nowadays, but 'Tootsie' is an eminently watchable and funny satire. It's just a shame that the film can't extend the dynamism it gives to its eponymous hero (ine?) to the piece as a whole.
Great film. This film ages reasonably well. Not a hilarious film, but a good chuckle and some great moments in it. Well worth watching. Hofmann as Tootsie is quite superb. Just goes to show what an increadibly versatile actor he really is.
Ever seen the movie Mrs Doubtfire? Most people have. This film is in a similar mould. Pretty much the same story only..........better.
See if you agree.
This is a very funny film, about an out of work actor, desperate for a job. Hoffman pulls off Dorothy amazingly well and there is some very funny moments. A classic film about what it really feels like for a girl!
Some of the romantic scenes have aged badly and now look terrbily cheesy, but there's still enough hilarious scenes to make this a cross-dressing comedy classic.
This film was voted second funniest film of all time in a poll about 2 years ago and I agree. He may not be very fetching as a women but the acting involved is superb. Such funny one liners and little quips. Definately worth a watch for anyone with a good sense of humour (obviously a few of these reviewers haven't!)
Dustin Hoffman is Fantastic in and out of the dress. A must see!
funny film, with a decent overall morel to it-love is more important than success--slightly predictable, always enjoyable!
Dustin Hoffman is his usual excellent self, together with his side-kick, Bill Murray (who I think was not given a fair crack of the whip). This film has aged very well, so what if the 'love angle' is a bit dated - it all makes for a great film! Will certainly be a classic............
Now this is a dvd worth renting. Supurb performance from Dustin Hoffmann. A really good entertaining film.
One of the highlights of Dustin Hoffman's illustrious career, this cross-dressing comedy drama avoids all the obvious pitfalls and manages to make some pertinent comments on the role of women within both showbiz and society. Hoffman's Dorothy Michaels is a wonderfully realised creation and testament to the actor's painstaking preparation for a part. Director Sydney Pollack judges the shifts of tone to perfection, but special mention should be made of his clever pastiche of daytime soaps. Nominated for ten Oscars, the film landed only one — a best supporting statuette for Jessica Lange, who pipped co-star Teri Garr for the award.
As with Genevieve and Whisky Galore, an unlikely comedy subject makes an instant classic. It's all in the handling.
Hoffman plays an actor, quite as temperamental and impossible as Hoffman himself evidently is in real life, who... read more on Time Out