Tootsie (1982)

Genre: Comedy

Directed by: Sydney Pollack

Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Bill Murray, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr

Running time: 116 minutes

Michael Dorsey is a New York actor who is a perfectionist to a fault. His reputation as a man difficult to work with precedes him and he is having a hard time finding acting jobs. In an act of desperation, Michael goes for a soap opera audition dressed like a woman and he gets the gig. With a paying job now on the line, he has to keep the subterfuge going, but it becomes more and more difficult.

Films such as Tootsie are a rare breed. With this 1982 comedy, director Sydney Pollack manages to juggle multiple genres and styles without creating any confusion in the process. There is some silliness in this movie, but there is also a serious look at the issue of sexism. There is also a lot of sweetness in there. I find it hard to believe that all these people were fooled about Tootsie really being a man, but, I guess, one has to suspend disbelief a bit.

Dustin Hoffman is as solid as he usually is in the title role. Anytime you see him on screen, he makes you forget the actor and he makes you believe in his character. The supporting cast is also very good.

Overall, this is one of those great movies that need to be seen at least once in a lifetime, if not more.

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