Tootsie (1982)

Overview

Tootsie is one of the most acclaimed comedies of all time—clever, compassionate, and surprisingly progressive for its era. What begins as a premise ripe for farce—a struggling actor disguises himself as a woman to land a job—blossoms into a heartfelt, smart, and socially aware narrative that explores gender roles, integrity, and personal growth.

Directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Dustin Hoffman in one of his most iconic performances, Tootsie is a sharp satire of both the entertainment industry and broader societal expectations around gender. It’s a film that makes you laugh without ever being shallow, balancing screwball comedy with genuine emotional insight.

Plot Summary

Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is a brilliant but notoriously difficult actor in New York. He’s so hard to work with that no one will hire him, and he’s struggling to make ends meet. Desperate for work and inspired by a soap opera casting call, Michael disguises himself as a woman—Dorothy Michaels—and lands the role.

To his surprise, Dorothy becomes an overnight sensation on daytime TV. As Michael navigates life in drag, he begins to see the world from a woman’s perspective and undergoes a transformation in how he understands power, sexism, and relationships.

Things get complicated when he falls for his co-star Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange), who confides in Dorothy while remaining unaware of her true identity. Add in Julie’s possessive father (Charles Durning), Michael’s neurotic ex (Teri Garr), and a lecherous director (Dabney Coleman), and you have a story brimming with comic tension and emotional stakes.

Themes and Social Commentary

Gender Roles and Feminism

At the heart of Tootsie is a serious exploration of what it means to be a woman in a man’s world. Michael initially adopts the disguise for selfish reasons, but the experience becomes transformative. As Dorothy, he faces daily condescension, objectification, and systemic sexism. This gives him—and the audience—a profound sense of empathy for the female experience.

The film doesn't present Michael as a hero for discovering how hard it is to be a woman. Instead, it critiques the very systems that allow his deception to work in the first place, all while highlighting women’s resilience.

Identity and Authenticity

Michael is an actor, constantly playing roles—even in his personal life. Ironically, it’s only when he pretends to be someone else that he begins to understand who he truly is. The tension between appearance and reality is central to the film: Dorothy, though fictional, is a more authentic version of Michael than the person he was before.

Satire of the Entertainment Industry

From lecherous directors to typecasting and soap opera absurdity, Tootsie skewers the TV and film industry with precision. It highlights how talent is often ignored in favour of appearance, and how actors—especially women—are expected to conform to a narrow mould.

Direction and Style

Sydney Pollack, usually known for dramas, brings a deft touch to the film. His direction balances the screwball tempo of classic comedies with the emotional nuance needed for character development. The film moves briskly, but never feels rushed. There’s room for pathos, humour, awkwardness, and reflection—all in harmony.

The cinematography isn’t flashy, but it’s effective, particularly in highlighting Michael’s transformation through costume, lighting, and body language. Pollack's own supporting role as Michael’s exasperated agent adds a layer of dry humour and meta-commentary.

Soundtrack

Dave Grusin’s jazzy score sets a breezy but emotionally warm tone. The theme song, “It Might Be You” (sung by Stephen Bishop), became a hit in its own right and reflects the romantic core of the film. The music enhances the film’s dual nature—both comedic and sincere.

Performances

Dustin Hoffman delivers a tour de force performance. As Michael, he’s manic, self-absorbed, and volatile. As Dorothy, he becomes gentle, firm, empathetic—and hilariously no-nonsense. Hoffman avoids caricature, instead giving Dorothy real humanity. His ability to shift between personas while retaining depth is a masterclass in acting.

Jessica Lange won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She gives Julie warmth and vulnerability without ever being passive. Her scenes with Dorothy are touching and complex, especially as layers of trust and misunderstanding unfold.

Teri Garr is hilarious and heart breaking as Sandy, Michael’s insecure friend and unwitting victim of his deception. Her comic timing and anxious energy add both levity and stakes.

Bill Murray (uncredited) steals every scene as Michael’s deadpan roommate Jeff. His dry, observational humour anchors the film’s absurd moments.

Charles Durning as Julie’s father brings unexpected poignancy to his subplot, falling for Dorothy in earnest.

Dabney Coleman is wonderfully sleazy as the sexist soap opera director—a personification of the systemic issues Dorothy comes to rebel against.

Awards and Legacy

10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Hoffman), and Best Supporting Actress (Lange—won).

BAFTA wins, Golden Globe accolades, and widespread critical acclaim.

Selected by the American Film Institute as the #2 greatest American comedy film (just behind Some Like It Hot).

More than four decades later, Tootsie remains relevant. Its humour still lands, its message still resonates, and its character work is still top-tier. It influenced later gender-bending comedies and dramas, from Mrs. Doubtfire to Transparent, and opened doors to more nuanced discussions of gender performance and identity in mainstream film.

Contemporary Considerations

Some modern viewers may question how Tootsie fits into today’s conversations about gender identity, drag, and representation. It’s important to note that the film’s aim is not to mock femininity or cross-dressing, but to use disguise as a lens for empathy and critique. That said, it was made in a different cultural moment and doesn’t explore gender fluidity or trans identity—its focus is firmly rooted in cisgender male understanding of sexism.

Still, it avoids many pitfalls by treating Dorothy with dignity and care, and by allowing women to speak for themselves throughout.

Final Verdict

Tootsie is a rare blend of high-concept comedy, sincere drama, and biting social critique. It’s hilarious without being mean-spirited, insightful without being preachy, and heartfelt without sentimentality. Led by an extraordinary cast and guided by sharp writing, Tootsie remains a classic not just for its laughs, but for its humanity.

A brilliant, compassionate comedy that uses disguise to reveal uncomfortable truths. Timeless, intelligent, and still very funny.