TOOTSIE 4.0 ****

If someone ever wanted to write a textbook on how to make the perfect movie comedy, this film should be the number one reference point. The 1982 film “TOOTSIE” became an instant classic and is just as funny today as it was 28 years ago. I love this movie because no matter how many times you watch it, there is always something you never noticed before. Sidney Pollack's terrific, right-on direction perfectly brought together all the elements of this winning story about an unemployed actor/acting teacher/waiter named Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) who, despite being a wonderful actor, cannot get work as he has earned a reputation for being "difficult." Desperate to earn $8000.00 in order to produce a play that his roommate (Bill Murray) wrote, he dresses in drag and auditions for a role on a soap opera and actually gets the part. Complications ensue and I will not disclose them to you because a lot of the joy of this film is encountering the surprises and dilemma . Everything works perfectly in this film which has a lot of heart that grows as the movie peels back feelings and relationships
Towering above everything is the amazing performance by Dustin Hoffman as Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels. Hoffman is completely believable and amazingly comfortable as a woman As a matter of fact, his screen time as Dorothy is the strongest part of his performance. The film is so well-cast it's incredible. There are so many fine actors at work here that it almost becomes a contest of who can steal the scene first. Bill Murray gets his share with his improvised lines. His lamenting of the state of his plays during a party scene will have you howling. The icing on the cake was director Sydney Pollack agreeing to play Hoffman's agent. They only have a few scenes together, but they are among the film's best. Others in the cast include Charles Durning, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, and Geena Davis.
“Perfection” it is… and furthermore and simply put there is no other way to describe this film other than an American masterpiece.
If you seen it before, relive a fun experience. If you’ve not seen, you have a wonderful discovery in store.

Clark