Tootsie (1982)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Josh M

  
  Tootsie is a hilarious yet meaningful rom com, that holds up thirty years after its release (except for the cheesy 80's synth pop music and the now dying TV soap milieu). The estimable, versatile Sidney Pollack captured an atmosphere (the New York theatre milieu, the soap world)… More
  Tootsie is a hilarious yet meaningful rom com, that holds up thirty years after its release (except for the cheesy 80's synth pop music and the now dying TV soap milieu). The estimable, versatile Sidney Pollack captured an atmosphere (the New York theatre milieu, the soap world) and a tone that makes this film one of the great comedies. Pollack probably doesn't get enough credit for his talents, because his films don't have an identifiable 'signature'. He has directed such a wide array of material, (i.e. Jeremiah Johnson vs. Three Days of the Condor vs. The Yazuka) that his trademark is quality and intelligence, (possibly slickness)? The idea that a man could feel what it was like to be a woman only if he was in drag was a bit of an obvious cliche, even back in 82. This could have been the silliest and cheapest drag movie imaginable. However, Hoffman's intense performance as a idealistic and annoying 'artiste' method actor who is clueless about the feelings of women (especially his loyal psuedo girlfriend Teri Garr, who he treats very shabbily ) keeps this away from being trite. We also buy his desperate gambit to audition for a role in drag, since his career is in total crisis. I don't quite buy how he reveals his true sex on live TV in the last act (it's over the top and unlikely), but that's a quibble. It had to happen somehow, for the film to make its final thesis. Tootsie succeeds at every comic beat. Every one of its laughs are earned, based in character and situation. The script is bang on, despite the fact that it was written by a large committee, headed by one of film history's best comedy writers, Larry Gelbart. Apparently Dustin Hoffman had a big part in this film's constant rewrites and casting (he insisted on the excellent actor's studio alumni Pollack as the agent), and this is one case where the star's input transformed what could have been a so-so eighties cheesy comedy into a film classic. The cast is fine, (Pollack has been mentioned) especially Bill Murray in a supporting role as Hoffman's artsy playwright roommate giving him a chance to show all of his strengths without having to carry a movie. Jessica Lange is worthy object of affection, but this is not her most challenging role. However, Garr actually touches the heart in a very funny, poignant performance that lingers far longer than her brief screen time. This film has more to say about 'Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus' than any film of the last twenty years, even much more serious ones. It is full of irony, insight and heart.

• Joshua W

  
  I'd go as far to say most overrated film ever, or atlease the one film that 100% doesnt belong on the AFI list. In my film class my teacher says it's a near perfect film when I found it flawed and overall unentertaining. Bill Murray is the only one who brought something to… More
  I'd go as far to say most overrated film ever, or atlease the one film that 100% doesnt belong on the AFI list. In my film class my teacher says it's a near perfect film when I found it flawed and overall unentertaining. Bill Murray is the only one who brought something to the plate.

• Brad W

  
  A classic, i don't truly believe its one of the best comedies ever made, but still a classic. Dustin Hoffman is genius, the story isn't cliche, its great. Tootsie should be treasured by all.

• AJ V

  
  An interesting comedy, it has an unique story, great actors, and it's very funny. I really liked it, it's a classic comedy.

• Lenny M

  
  Huge film for it's day, if i would have seen it in the 80's the movie probably would have been better. Now cross dressing is so widespread in film that it's not that funny to see it anymore. Dustin Hoffman gets real weird with it, hideous looking with a terrible… More
  Huge film for it's day, if i would have seen it in the 80's the movie probably would have been better. Now cross dressing is so widespread in film that it's not that funny to see it anymore. Dustin Hoffman gets real weird with it, hideous looking with a terrible Southern accent.

• Spencer S

  
  One of AFI's 100 Laughs, it's far from another "Man-Playing-Woman," comedies. It's not just worth watching, but worth loving. Ah, so sweet.

• Jeremy S

  
  Tootsie is one of the funniest films ever. Why is it that most of the funniest films to come out of Hollywood are cross dressing comedies, i.e. Some Like It Hot? Hoffman is sensational; puts on a dress, lands the role of a lifetime in a TV soap opera and makes a complicated,… More
  Tootsie is one of the funniest films ever. Why is it that most of the funniest films to come out of Hollywood are cross dressing comedies, i.e. Some Like It Hot? Hoffman is sensational; puts on a dress, lands the role of a lifetime in a TV soap opera and makes a complicated, gender-bending love story. "That's one nutty hospital!."

• Anthony L

  
  This is actually one of Dustin Hoffman?s greatest performances. There aren?t many actors who can really pull off drag but he certainly can and he did it brilliantly. Classic comedy!

• Daniel P

  
  Truly a classic, even better than over 25 years of people talking it up had promised: it's funny, it's touching, and it's socially relevant too. This is a low-investment, high-return comedy from Sydney Pollack, who's not too bad of an actor himself despite being… More
  Truly a classic, even better than over 25 years of people talking it up had promised: it's funny, it's touching, and it's socially relevant too. This is a low-investment, high-return comedy from Sydney Pollack, who's not too bad of an actor himself despite being overshadowed by (of course) Dustin Hoffman, not to mention Bill Murray in a hilarious straight man role. If you remember Mrs. Doubtfire, forget about it, this is the one you want to watch... although, as far as drag comedies go, I've never seen Some Like It Hot, so I may equally need to go back in time... in any case, Tootsie is a comedy for the ages, deserving of its place on the AFI lists it graces.

• Jon L

  
  This film was so funny. It has a clear-cut story, and a wonderful cast. Dustin Hoffmanâ??s performance is superb and is well worth watching it for in itself. I found myself literally laughing out loud at the film. Itâ??s got a few good laughs and is just a great film all around.

• Lady D

  
  Tootsie represents a story of man?s vision through the eyes of a woman during the 80?s. What starts out as a way of gaining employment, soon becomes a woven web of deceipt. The film takes a playful jab at the U.S. ?Soap Opera? shows and whilst Hoffman pulls off his role as a woman,… More
  Tootsie represents a story of man?s vision through the eyes of a woman during the 80?s. What starts out as a way of gaining employment, soon becomes a woven web of deceipt. The film takes a playful jab at the U.S. ?Soap Opera? shows and whilst Hoffman pulls off his role as a woman, it?s his real character ?Michael? who is entertaining. An enjoyable role from Jessica Lange too.

• Jennifer X

  
  I love this movie because it mirrors Dustin Hoffman's early career to a T (excepting the woman part). Gosh, after reading Pictures at a Revolution I feel like I know so much about the INSIDE life of Hollywood too. This movie is not just a simple farce of crossdressing. It's… More
  I love this movie because it mirrors Dustin Hoffman's early career to a T (excepting the woman part). Gosh, after reading Pictures at a Revolution I feel like I know so much about the INSIDE life of Hollywood too. This movie is not just a simple farce of crossdressing. It's about the discrepancy between men and women, double standards, moneymaking vs. talent, and looking past the surface of a seemingly platonic relationship. With a little bit of New York neuroticism thrown in for good measure.

• Mason W

  
  Dustin Hoffman is terriffic in; "Tootsie." An actor that can not attain work as a man turns to becoming a lady and working on a soap opera...it is too funny and sweet. Jessica Lange shines as a fellow actress on the soap which Hoffman takes a fancy to.....check this comedy… More
  Dustin Hoffman is terriffic in; "Tootsie." An actor that can not attain work as a man turns to becoming a lady and working on a soap opera...it is too funny and sweet. Jessica Lange shines as a fellow actress on the soap which Hoffman takes a fancy to.....check this comedy gem out!!!

• Mark H

  
  Comedic gem.

• Cassie H

  
  Great movie,Dustin Hoffman is a phoenomenal actor!!!

• Jason S

  
  Man was this good. It had it all. Drama, comedy, romance, and some of the best acting done by a man in a dress. Sometimes you forgot that he was in there and the character shined all her own.

• Cindy I

  
  I LOVE this movie! The first film I ever paid to see more than once -- three times in a week. Even wrote a review of it for a college English class. Dustin Hoffman is great playing the difficult and thus starving actor who takes drastic measures to get a part in a TV soap. And this is… More
  I LOVE this movie! The first film I ever paid to see more than once -- three times in a week. Even wrote a review of it for a college English class. Dustin Hoffman is great playing the difficult and thus starving actor who takes drastic measures to get a part in a TV soap. And this is where we found out how good Jessica Lange could be. Rumor has it that Hoffman's characterization of a pain in the butt actor was basically playng himself. Funny from start to finish.

• jay n

  
  dustin is priceless, jessica has a wonderful air of wounded vunerability and best of all is teri garr giving yet another clever funny performance.

• xGary X

  
  Bill Murray is great in a supporting role, but this cross dressing comedy is purely by the numbers. It's better than Mrs. Doubtfire, but then again, so is rectal surgery...

• Dean M

  
  A constantly entertaining, frequently hilarious movie with Dustin Hoffman puts on a frock and high heels and promptly lands a leading role in a soap.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings