Tootsie is a 1982 American satirical romantic comedy film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Dustin Hoffman. The film tells the story of Michael Dorsey, an unsuccessful actor who disguises himself as a woman named Dorothy Michaels to get a role on a trashy hospital soap opera. The film was a major critical and financial success, becoming the second-most profitable film of 1982, and was nominated for ten Academy Awards including Best Picture. Its supporting cast includes Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Bill Murray, Charles Durning, George Gaynes, Geena Davis, and Doris Belack.
Plot
Tootsie is a 1982 satirical romantic comedy film that follows the story of Michael Dorsey, a struggling actor who faces difficulties finding work in the film industry. In an attempt to secure a role in a trashy hospital soap opera, Michael disguises himself as a woman named Dorothy Michaels. The film explores Michael's journey as he navigates the world of soap operas, deals with the show's demanding producer, and tries to keep his true identity a secret. The plot also involves the relationships between the characters, including the rivalry between Michael and another actor as well as the romantic entanglements of the show's lead actress.
The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, earning a reputation as a classic comedy that has remained popular over the years.
Trailer
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Cast
- Dustin Hoffman as Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels
- Jessica Lange as Julie Nichols
- Teri Garr as Sandy Lester
- Dabney Coleman as Ron Carlisle
- Charles Durning as Leslie "Les" Nichols
- Bill Murray as Jeff Slater
- Sydney Pollack as George Fields
- George Gaynes as John Van Horn
- Geena Davis as April Page (in her film debut)
Director: Sydney Pollack
Writer: Larry Gelbart, Barry Levinson, Elaine May, Murray Schisgal
Genre: Comedy
Distributor: Columbia Tristar, RCA/Columbia, Columbia TriStar Home Video, Criterion Collection, Columbia Pictures
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 1982
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 8, 2014
Theme
The theme of Tootsie revolves around the exploration of identity, gender, and the challenges of fitting in. The film humorously examines the struggles faced by Michael Dorsey as he disguises himself as a woman to secure a role in a soap opera, ultimately learning valuable lessons about himself and the industry along the way.
Reception
Tootsie was a major critical and financial success, becoming the second-most profitable film of 1982. Its positive reception and box office success changed attitudes towards cross-dressing comedies in the industry.
Settings
The film primarily takes place in a soap opera set, as well as various locations in Los Angeles where Michael Dorsey encounters his rival, Topper.
Visual Styles
Tootsie features a mix of studio-bound soap opera sets and location shots in Los Angeles. The film's visual style is influenced by the aesthetics of 1980s sitcoms and comedies, with a focus on bright lighting and colorful sets.
Techniques
The film employs a combination of satirical comedy, slapstick humor, and character-driven drama to tell its story. The performances of the cast, particularly Dustin Hoffman, contribute significantly to the film's comedic and emotional impact.
Trivia
- The film was the directorial debut of Sydney Pollack, who also played a significant role in the film as George Fields.
- Geena Davis made her film debut in Tootsie.
- The film's success led to a sequel, "Tootsie Too," which was released in 1983.
Fun Facts
- The film's plot was inspired by a true story of a man who dressed as a woman to get a job in the film industry.
- The character of April Page was originally written as a man, but the part was rewritten for Geena Davis after the producers saw her in a commercial.
- The film's theme song, "Call Me" was performed by the band Chicago and became a hit single in 1982.
