Tootsie
Plot
In the comedy classic "Tootsie," Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), a talented but struggling actor, is at a crossroads in his career. Out of work and desperate for a role, Michael turns to an unorthodox solution - he adopts a female alter ego, Dorothy Michaels. Underneath a disguise of makeup, wigs, and feminine attire, Michael becomes the new face on a popular daytime drama, "The Sunset Years." Initially, his plan is to use Dorothy as a means to get hired, but things quickly take an unexpected turn. As Dorothy, Michael gains recognition and admiration for her unique acting style and portrayal of strong, independent women. As Michael continues to embody Dorothy, he unintentionally becomes a feminist icon, earning the respect and admiration of many in the industry, including his co-stars and crew members. Meanwhile, his true identity remains hidden, even from his closest friends and colleagues. The character of Dorothy Michaels also sparks a romantic interest in Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange), a beautiful and talented actress who plays Michael's love interest on the show. As their characters' relationship deepens, so does Michael's own feelings for Julie, blurring the lines between his two personas. As the story unfolds, Michael finds himself struggling to maintain his dual identities while navigating the complexities of Dorothy's newfound fame. He must confront the consequences of his deception and decide whether to reveal his true identity or continue living as Dorothy Michaels. Throughout "Tootsie," Hoffman delivers a tour-de-force performance, seamlessly switching between his male and female personas. The film is a heartwarming exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. With its witty dialogue, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, "Tootsie" remains a beloved comedy classic that continues to delight audiences today.
Reviews
August
As Michael observes Julie's boyfriend, Ron, the TV director, he increasingly realizes Ron's insincerity. Meanwhile, Michael himself finds himself falling for Julie. The immense popularity of his character brings further complications, with a mounting number of men expressing their romantic interest in "her."
Eric
A classic in drag. It has that distinct 70s, early 80s American vibe. Another one of those transformation movies, and because the disguise is so convincing, I even found myself wishing he really was her. This has to be the most tangled web of relationships I've seen on screen this year. Woman A is in love with Man B. Man B transforms into Woman B. Man B (as Woman B) falls for Woman C. Woman C thinks Woman B is a lesbian. Woman C's father is smitten with Woman B. Man D is also smitten with Woman B. Man D believes Woman B and Man E are lovers. Woman A thinks Man B is gay.
Waylon
Dustin Hoffman's performance is absolutely brilliant; it feels like this movie was made with Judith Butler's theories on performance and gender in mind. Seeing the footage of Hoffman's interview, where he cried realizing his past disrespect towards women because of his experience in cross-gender performance, was powerful. Though it's a comedy, at its core, it's a poignant tragedy.
Victoria
Sandy thought I was gay, Julie thought I was a lesbian, Julie's dad proposed to me, and a male colleague even tried to rape me... Writer, you are a genius!
Blake
The biggest limitation is still having a man become a feminist icon. Dorothy's assertiveness and independence are derived from his male privilege; he can naturally and habitually say "you should be angry" and "play" the qualities of gentleness and consideration. But Dorothy is ultimately an illusion, so "she" criticizes the director's infidelity as a woman, while he still acts like a jerk towards Sandy as a man. The disconnect between the two personas can't be erased. And as a gender-bending comedy, it takes itself a bit too seriously...
Sasha
Dorothy Michaels isn’t just a character—she’s a masterclass in self-discovery, proving that sometimes the best performances are the ones we don’t even see ourselves doing.
