Review of Tootsie (1982) by Jason J — 29 Sep 2011

Tootsie is one of these all-too rare comedies; it just never stops being funny, no matter how many times you watch it.

Dustin Hoffman plays a struggling actor who, in desperation, disguises himself as a woman and gets a part in very popular daytime soap. He succeeds brilliantly and becomes a very prominent public figure, but things get very complicated for him when he falls in love with one of his co-stars who only knows him as a woman (and to top it off, her father falls in love with him, as her...).

An incredibly witty script, with an endless number of funny (and quotable) one-liners, a flawless cast, superb direction; Tootsie quite simply has it all. Dustin Hoffman has never been funnier, Bill Murray is a riot as his roommate Jeff, Dabney Coleman is hilarious as Hoffman's boss and complete scene stealer Sidney Pollack (also the film's director) nearly walks off with the movie.

The intelligent script is also rich in characterization and is firmly grounded in reality, this never succumbs to slapstick. The film also benefits heavily for using the "drag thing" before it became tiresome and ultimately boring and unbelievable (Mrs. Doubtfire springs to mind). Never too sentimental but always right on the mark, Tootsie is a gem of a comedy that only gets better with age and repeated viewings.