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Tootsie
1982 116 min United States of America PG 18+
★8.4
Comedy, Romance
Director: Sydney Pollack
Trailers
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Description
When struggling, out of work actor Michael Dorsey secretly adopts a female alter ego—Dorothy Michaels—in order to land a part in a daytime drama, he unwittingly becomes a feminist icon and ends up in a romantic pickle.
Budget:
$21M
US Gross:
$177.2M
Worldwide:
$177.2M
Starring
Dustin Hoffman
Actor
Jessica Lange
Actor
Teri Garr
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
BAFTA 1984
— Best Actor
BAFTA 1984
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Screenplay
BAFTA 1984
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Supporting Actress
César Awards 1984
— Best International Feature Film
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Director
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Cinematography
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Film Editing
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
BAFTA 1984
— Best Actor
BAFTA 1984
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
BAFTA 1984
— Best Picture
BAFTA 1984
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 1984
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Sound
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Supporting Actress
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Screenplay
BAFTA 1984
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1984
— Best Director
BAFTA 1984
— Best Original Song
Key opinion
Tootsie is widely regarded as a masterful 1980s comedy-drama that balances sharp social satire with genuine emotional depth. Anchored by Dustin Hoffman's transformative performance, the film remains a timeless and rewatchable classic that transcends its farcical premise.
| Acting | Dustin Hoffman's transformative portrayal of Dorothy Michaels stands as one of the most compelling and physically committed acting performances in cinema history. | |
| Screenplay | Barry Levinson's screenplay successfully elevates potentially cheap material into a sophisticated blend of biting satire, character-driven drama, and witty humor. | |
| Emotion | The film maintains a rare, consistent atmosphere that balances farcical comedy with poignant social commentary on gender roles and the harsh realities of the acting profession. | |
| Direction | Sidney Pollack’s direction is praised for its ability to handle complex thematic elements with a warm, soulful touch that feels both timeless and structurally sound. | |
| Acting | The supporting cast, featuring standout improvisations from Bill Murray and strong turns from Jessica Lange and Geena Davis, significantly elevates the film’s overall appeal. | |
| Originality | Viewers are divided on whether the film remains the definitive work on cross-dressing personas; some find it unparalleled, while others argue later films like Mrs. Doubtfire handled the premise with more relatability. |