Review of Tootsie (1982) by Harry W — 10 Nov 2013

Tootsie sets itself up to be good, because it opens in a comedic look at the life of a failing actor but in a sympathetic manner as well as a comedic one, and instantly I'm sure it will be a fun film to watch.

For one thing, the harsh reality it faces when coming to working as an actor is dealt with successfully both in its comedy and its realism, and the theme itself works in a comedic sense as well as a dramatic one. The other thing that Tootsie understands are the issues faced with being a woman in a society dominated by males in the 1980's. The way the story develops to have an understanding of a female character attempting to triumph over adversity and succeeding merely because she is actually a man and is not afraid by the male world is extremely clever. The character Dorothy Michaels serves as a positive female role model to the troubled women in the world of Tootsie, and the way the manner of this is executed is utterly hilarious. The person to thank for this is Dustin Hoffman and his hilarious ability to work a comedic role into the ground and beyond, work so fine it deserves a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as for best actress in his excellent portrayal of both characters so finely.

And Jessica Lange portrays Julie Nichols finely in a manner where she intentionally captures the "skill" of a soap opera actress while also acting as a sweet and poorly-treated women as a symbol of a real woman working in the acting industry during the 1980's as opposed to a fake woman like in Michael Dorsey's character Dorothy Michaels, a character she dares a fine and living chemistry with.

Teri Garr also acted well as the woman of Michael Dorsey's life who suffered on the wrong end of the stereotypical male spectrum as he pursued his crazy ideas while ignoring her emotional drama. She portrays it finely and over the top at the right moments in a strong manner, capturing a craze which can only occur when the man you're in a supposed relationship with lands the role you audition for by dressing as a woman. Teri Garr balances the sweetness that Jessica Lange brings to the atmosphere with a story of mental instability, making it a successful comedic product.

Lastly, Bill Murray who at the time of Tootsie's creation had become a great success thanks to his breakthrough work in films like Caddyshack and Stripes is not a man I expected to see in Tootsie, but he's great to have because of the sense of nostalgia he provides to the film as a famous 80's actor is fun. He also portrays Michael Dorsey's roommate and friend greatly because of his stoic character approach and laid back personality, particularly in the way he conveys being the only person to know the secret behind Dorothy Michaels, and his simple comedic delivery of the line at the film's climax "That... is one nutty hospital." was perfect. He was great to have.

Tootsie's cast and themes are its main source of benefit, and it has good music too.

The only real issue I found with Tootsie was its treatment of Teri Garr's character Sandy Lester. As part of the films subplot comes from Michael Dorsey trying to balance forming a relationship with her with acting as Dorothy Michaels on TV and falling in love with Julie Nichols, by the end of the story there is no resolution to what happens to Sandy Lester. She is treated poorly by many of Michael Dorsey's stereotypical male tendencies, and its implied she merely gets over them when Michael Dorsey uncovers his secret to the world. In actuality, it ignores her emotional issues that have occurred from all the cataclysmic events and she is forgotten about by the story which is not something that appropriately fits into a comedy that is as sweet as a Tootsie Roll, and it just proves to be the film's main downfall, which is a shame considering it had been so good up until then.

But still, Tootsie is an obvious comedy classic combining some of the finest direction possible by Sydney Pollack with a combination of complex themes in a fine script and Dustin Hoffman's finest comedic work.

Tootsie even becomes better the second time you see it because it's easier to pick up on all the humourous female tendencies that Dustin Hoffman explores and find even more humour in Teri Garr's comedic efforts instead of just sorrow for her troubles as a character, and any comedy that gets better with more viewings and even educates viewers on the troubles of a woman is an effective and enjoyable one, so Tootsie is a must-view comedy.