Choosing a life in theatre or film is a difficult choice because nine times out of ten, an actor will face rejection. He will be turned away simply because a director “wants him to be someone else.” An actor must be secure within his psyche so that no amount of turndowns will make him think less of his ability and talent. It is a thin, fragile line actors walk daily while trying to get their big break. Being a “star” or famous cannot be the end goal. A “working actor” is the best gig. Steady work that allows a person to make enough money while living their dream. It is a gift from the universe if your profession is also your passion. I was one of the lucky ones. I was able to create, make a difference in young people’s lives, and love what I did with every fiber of my soul. I remembered what it felt like to “go out for parts.” I will never forget how some yielded their creative powers over the “lowly actor.” I never wanted to be that person. When someone was on my stage, they had my full attention. I looked them in the eye and was honest with them. I enjoyed their insights and suggestions. I loved the melding of thoughts. They would say I inspired them, but it was mutual, with me receiving much more than I ever anticipated. I gave 100% of myself, and I expected nothing less from them. They never let me down.
TOOTSIE is a comedy, but several serious themes continue throughout the film. On some levels, it could also be considered a rom/com, but there, too, it is very subtle in tone. The film title was not given for all the many “names” Ron (Dabney Coleman) uses when talking to a woman, but instead, the nickname Dustin’s mom gave him as a child. The title still works to “turn that screw” on men who are condescending in their treatment of the opposite sex.
TOOTSIE won most of their awards through the BAFTA and GOLDEN GLOBES, which included Best Comedy Film for 1982. It was awarded an Oscar for Best Actress to Jessica Lange portraying Julie, the “one” Michael fell for, but she only knew him as the woman Dorothy Michaels. It’s really a simple plot of an actor not being able to get cast “anywhere in New York or Hollywood” due to being labeled “difficult.” So, Michael sets out to prove everyone wrong by recreating himself as a woman. (Not in drag, but a “real” woman) He immediately gets a huge part on a soap similar to GENERAL HOSPITAL. He plays a strong version of a woman who is not afraid to tell any man in the soap how he/she thinks and feels. TOOTSIE is an intelligent, multi-layered film that will make audiences laugh aloud and then realize…oh heck, women should not be treated that way.
I must give kudos to Dustin’s makeup as Dorothy. The creative artists did dozens of test runs with random people on the street, friends, and moments of close contact through elevator moments. Dustin has often said he wished Dorothy could have been prettier. He wished she looked softer (“Can you back up camera one? Not that close! How do you feel about Cleveland?”). He said, as a man, he would not have given her a second glance if he saw her walking down the street, and that would have been a shame for all the missed opportunities he now realized he missed in his life. Dorothy wore glasses because it helped to make Dustin’s nose not the focal point on his face. He spoke with a Southern accent because his pitch sounded more womanly. And his female coach was none other than Meryl Streep.
There were many hilarious lines, scenes, and actors in this entertaining, creative film. Bill Murray, who played Michael’s roommate, Jeff, improvised most of his lines. (“That’s one nutty hospital”). Terri Garr always looking for the pain in every situation, asking Michael to pick her up at ten to “enrage” her. “Fu** you. No, Fu**you. God bless you, Michael.” There was the laugh-out-loud dancing moment at the bar with Charles Durring, Geena Davis’s film debut in her cute little undies. And of course, Tootsie’s most famous moment was the photo shoot montage ending with that dazzling sparkly, red gown, which was so patriotic! Dorothy and Dustin were so popular in real life and on the screen.
The most impressive chemistry of all was between Julie and Michael/ Dorothy. Oh, those sultry, lusty looks. Hilarious moments performing in the TV soap and down on the farm. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Jessica Lange while Dorothy battled several suitors to keep them at arm’s length away? “Oh, you slut!”
TOOTSIE is a screwball look at relationships and “wanting the work.” It shares a hidden glimpse of the life of an actor. It is not as easy as most people believe. TOOTSIE points out our flaws. It gives us the ability to truly see the truth of what is behind our made-up masks and sheds a light on misogyny within the workplace, all while tickling our funny bones over and over. It is comedic, culture, and classic cinema. Smart, enduring, and still popular. Dorothy says “she” has a “mustache problem…too many male hormones.” Haha…now that’s just funny! Enjoy.
It is available to rent.
