Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21127 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-05-29
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Georgian, Chinese, Thai
• Dubbed in: French
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 116 minutes

Amazon.com
One of the touchstone movies of the 1980s, Tootsie stars Dustin Hoffman as an out-of-work actor who disguises himself as a dowdy, middle-aged woman to get a part on a hit soap opera. The scheme works, but while he/she keeps up the charade, Hoffman's character comes to see life through the eyes of the opposite sex. The script by Larry Gelbart (with Murray Schisgal) is a winner, and director Sydney Pollack brings taut proficiency to the comedy and sensitivity to the relationship nuances that emerge from Hoffman's drag act. Great supporting work from Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray, and pre-stardom Geena Davis. But the film finally belongs to Hoffman, who seems to connect with the character at a very deep and abiding level. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Funny, heartwarming and poignant; `Tootsie' has it all...
I adore Dustin Hoffman and count him as one of the greatest actors to ever grace the big screen, and even though his recent choices are less than impressive (what has happened to these acting giants; ala Robert De Niro and Al Pacino?) I am still enamored by just about everything he's done pre-2000. His comedic performance in `Tootsie' is certainly one of his grandest.

Hoffman plays Michael Dorsey, a hard to get along with actor who cannot seem to find work because of his reputation. His talent precedes him but his arrogance and stubbornness have caused him to become unwanted. With this weighting heavily over his head, and the desire to help his friend launch his own stage-play, Dorsey decides to go undercover (way undercover) to get a job, and so that is how Dorothy Michaels comes about, a hotheaded older woman who nabs the new role on a soap. Her success is instantaneous, fans flocking to her and costars befriending her, not the least of which is Julie Nichols who also manages to catch Dorsey's eye.

The main plot of Dorsey falling for Nichols but being unable to confess his feelings for her without compromising his paycheck really play second fiddle to the real meat of Dorsey's transformation while disguised as Michaels. Dorsey is able to separate himself from his actions and view the world through a new set of eyes, waking himself to his own inadequacies, but also giving strength to his female fans, on and off the screen, to fight against the stereotypes that bind them so tightly.

The performances are all outstanding, especially from Hoffman who is not only hilarious but also very connected to the emotional journey both of his characters are going through. Jessica Lange won an Oscar for her performance, and while I don't consider it `amazing' it was tender and genuine and deserving of admiration (but I'm not so sure of an Oscar). Actually, second to Hoffman is Charles Durning who really should have nabbed a nomination for his wonderfully complete portrayal of Nichols lonely father Les, who happens to take a liking to Dorothy. His performance is so sincere and moving that the Academy should be ashamed for passing him over.

The rest of the supporting cast is also wonderful, from the late Sydney Pollack to Teri Garr, Bill Murray and a pre-stardom Geena Davis.

The script is brilliantly crafted to be both comedic and heartwarming, and when the Dorsey/Michaels revelation is finally revealed you will find yourself on the floor in the most painfully side splitting uproarious laughter that you will feel compelled to watch the whole film all over again just so you can see that scene in all its glory (you have to watch the whole film for a proper setup). Hoffman and company really deliver a film that is more than just a comedy, it is a landmark and one of the most influential and recognizable films to the 80's.

tootsie review
Dustin Hoffman is hilarious as an actor doing what he needs to do to get the job and the girl.For a few moments you forget he's a he.Sidney Pollack doesnt miss a heart beat in this family type comedy.Definately a movie to watch over and over.Glad its now in my library of best movies.

A tomato doesn't have logic
The special edition of Tootsie is great! The making of - comprised of behind the scenes footage from the film shoot, make up tests, interviews with cast and crew, plus the history of how the film came to fruition - was great. I'm so glad there was an opportunity to conduct interviews with Sydney Pollack before passed away; what an amazing director and all around great guy. The interviews with Dustin Hoffman are also hilarious and insightful.