Random Ramblings: Tootsie (1982) Film

I'm not really a fan of art house/foreign/vintage films and because of this I have never owned a Criterion blu-ray before. However, I was surprised that Criterion had just released a more modern and commercial film 'Tootsie' on blu-ray which coincidentally was revisited by me recently. Sometimes, I like to revisit old films that I had watched in my youth during the 80s and 90s that I have forgotten or because I think that I might enjoy the film more as an adult rather than a kid/teen back then. I must admit that after watching 'Tootsie' again, I still found it to be entertaining, funny and relevant to modern times (the same cannot be said for Dorothy's hair, glasses or wardrobe). I'm not going to discuss the Criterion release here but for those interested in a review of Criterion's blu-ray release of this film, you can always check out the link below. The review is courtesy of DVD Talk.

DVDTalk Review

What did I like most about the film, Dustin Hoffman of course. As you know, Dustin Hoffman is not the most attractive man but he is a very talented actor. While watching the film, I truly believed that it was the 'real' Mr Hoffman (as Michael Dorsey) who was coaching the novices in the actors studio. Which makes the role of 'Dorothy' a big risk for him (not unlike the risk Michael Dorsey took) since transforming him into a decent looking woman would be an insurmountable task. Besides, he had a reputation of being a 'serious' actor and this movie was part comedy. In 1982, we didn't yet have movies like Mrs Doubtfire or Priscilla Queen of the Desert so this movie was pretty much a leap into the unknown. But the role paid dividends because his portrayal of Dorothy is so spot-on that you can't imagine another actor playing her except Mr Hoffman. Dorothy's mannerism and speech (no false falsetto here) is all unique and yet natural to the character (imagine a rather spunky motherly figure). After watching the film, there was a short but illuminating interview with Dustin Hoffman which was included in the bonus features of the dvd (since I have not seen the Criterion edition I can't say whether this particular interview is included in it). Here, he talks about the different ways men and women communicate. Apparently, women always ended their sentences with a question mark to appear less confrontational (hmm...). He also talks about improvising on some scenes in the movie (sometimes without director Sydney Pollack's knowledge). But the most touching part of the interview would be when he mentions how he would sometimes dress as Dorothy with the cast and crew when they were not filming scenes and (oblivious) people would sometimes ignore him in conversation due to the fact that he did not look 'attractive' as a woman. At this point, he almost breaks down crying and mentions his regret that as a 'bloke' he was also guilty of ignoring interesting women who were short on looks. In fact, he was so disturbed by this revelation that he ended up apologizing to his wife and having a heart felt conversation with her later.

Other high points of the films is of course Bill Murray, as Michael Dorsey's laid back but hilarious room mate Jeff and Sydney Pollack, who directs and stars in the film. I truly believe that without Mr Pollack's unique vision (during an interview he mentions that he only makes serious films and never before comedy), this truly intelligent and sensitive film would not materialize. You have to admit that a comedy about a man who cross dresses could easily turn tacky if it was not handled by a talented director such as Mr Pollack. Lastly, those who loved the 80s would also immediately recognize Steven Bishop's iconic song at the end of the movie.

So anyone looking for some 80s nostalgia or an intelligent, funny and insightful film, why not give the Criterion release of this film a try. I'm sure Criterion's re-mastered version of the film and (usually) comprehensive release loaded with plenty of extras will certainly do justice to a film of this caliber.