Review of Tootsie (1982) by Stuart K — 06 Feb 2015
Directed by Sydney Pollack (The Electric Horseman (1979), Out of Africa (1985) and The Firm (1993)), and written by Larry Gelbart (The Wrong Box (1966) and Blame it on Rio (1984)) and Murray Schisgal (Luv (1967)), this is an original and very funny comedy-drama about the length's some people will go to in order to get employment.
Some bits are dated, but it's central premise still stands strong. Respected actor Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is difficult to work with, and when his agent George Fields (Pollack) tells him no-one will employ him anymore, Michael gets desperate.
He needs the money, and he wants to fund a play written by his roommate Jeff Slater (Bill Murray). So, he goes for an audition for daytime soap opera Southwest General in drag as "Dorothy Michaels", he wins the part.
He has to keep the charade up, and his double life really tests his relationship with girlfriend Sandy Lester (Teri Garr), then as Dorothy, he becomes close with his co-star Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange), who takes a real shine to Dorothy.
It was allegedly a nightmare to make, but a great little film came out of it, and cross-dressing films have come and gone since, but Hoffman is very convincing and he's got a great supporting cast playing second fiddle to him.
It became the second highest grossing film of 1982 just behind E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
This review of Tootsie (1982) was written by Stuart K on 06 Feb 2015.
Tootsie has generally received very positive reviews.
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