Tootsie is a 1982 American romantic drama film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Dustin Hoffman. The story is about a talented but turbulent actor who has a reputation for for being difficult to work with, which forces him to change his character to a woman to land a new job.
This film has absurdity, seriousness, humor and heart. It is a film that surprisingly wasn’t controversial, despite the subject matter, it was actually a box office and critical success and earned lots of award nominations and won several. This film pokes fun at show business agents in New York and soap operas. It also challenges gender and age norms in show business, proving that not just young, attractive people can be successful in the industry, making it all the more funny at times. This movie also makes lighthearted and well intended looks at sexism and how females were (and still are today) treated unfairly.
Dustin Hoffman is outstanding as Michael Dorsey, an out of work actor, Dorothy Michaels, Emily Kimberly, a soap opera actress and Edward Kimberly. The supporting cast are all great as well. This film is filled with clever dialogue and humor and awkward situations. The character of Dorothy Michaels is a much older lady with big glasses but an eye for fashion. Both men and women flirt with Dorothy, which is highly awkward and inappropriate but works perfectly with this perfectly imperfect film.
Although this film has a PG rating, it is far from being worthy of that rating. It fact, it is more PG-13. There is sexual humor and innuendo, kissing and terms referring to sexuality. There is a good bit of foul language throughout the film, including the “F” word as well. There is also smoking and a scene where a joint is passed around and occasional drinking and a drunk character, also a character has a drinking problem. So this movie is not for really young audiences.
This film will have you laughing, get angry and smile. It is one that can be watched over and over and it gets better every time. A truly clever and wonderful motion picture that has to be seen to believed and is a must watch for any movie lover and just person in general. It is a very entertaining and fun, yet heartwarming at times, type of film. Parts are slow, but that doesn’t matter, it is still enjoyable. WONDERFUL! 13+ 5/5