"No, I'm not, I'm employed."
Character actor Michael Dorsey (Hoffman) is unemployed. He has a reputation and prefers to work on small specialized projects. In an act of desperation he dresses as a woman to audition for a soap opera. After getting the part, he convinces his agent, George (Pollack) to along with the charade, and Dorothy Michaels is born.
As Dorothy, Michael continually improvises dialogue, becoming a symbol of female empowerment. The director, Ron (Coleman), is frustrated by this woman who obviously hates him, and the leading man, John (Gaynes) is bewildered and panicked each time Dorothy opens her mouth. Meanwhile, Michael begins falling for the female lead, Julie (Lange), while becoming her best friend as Dorothy. With Julie’s father (Durning) trying to woo Dorothy, and Michael’s friend Sandy (Garr) trying to maintain a relationship with Michael, can Michael be two people without hurting everyone in his life?
This award winning comedy stands the test of time, as funny today as it was at inception. The story is strong, giving each character dimension (although some feel like caricatures) and a thorough plot that doesn’t talk down to the audience.
Dustin Hoffman delivers two deeply layered personas that grow and change during the course of the film. Dorothy is a complete personality, not just a reason to see Hoffman in drag. Jessica Lange, who won the Oscar for Best Actress, is more than just the object of his affection; she has a story and depth. Bill Murray scores as Michael’s best friend and roommate, Jeff. He has a laid back camaraderie with Hoffman that clearly illustrates their relationship. It is an understated performance, unlike Murray’s previous roles, but he manages to convey a lot with a comment or look. The rest of the cast is on: George Gaynes does bewildered well and Dabney Coleman is a hate-able jerk.
From the opening sequence you know exactly what you are going to get… a well made, well acted film about the film industry. The opening shot pans lovingly across Michael's makeup and mustaches, as he gets ready for auditions. You immediately understand that he is passionate about his art/career, and in the rest of the opening montage, you fully understand his love/hate relationship with directors.
In addition, movies about men dressing as women or women dressed as men are a dime-a-dozen, but most aren't worth wasting your time. To see this done well, watch Tootsie or Some Like It Hot. Both are made by reputable directors, with strong plots, and excellent casts. They are funny without resorting to cheap laughs. Don't waste your time on the rest of the pack.
Oft imitated, but never duplicated this film is worth a watch!
Tootsie (1982) 116 minutes
Director: Sydney Pollack
Starring: 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 Les Nichols
Bill Murray as Jeff Slater
Sydney Pollack as George Fields
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