Tootsie [VHS] starring Dustin
Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr,
Dabney Coleman, Sydney Pollack
Classic Comedy!
One of the touchstone movies of the 1980s, Tootsie stars Dustin Hoffman
as an out-of-work actor who disguises himself as a dowdy, middle-aged
woman to get a part on a hit soap opera. The scheme works, but while
he/she keeps up the charade, Hoffmans character comes to see life
through the eyes of the opposite sex. The script by Larry Gelbart (with
Murray Schisgal) is a winner, and director Sydney Pollack brings taut
proficiency to the comedy and sensitivity to the relationship nuances that
emerge from Hoffmans drag act. Great supporting work from Teri Garr,
Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray, and pre-stardom Geena
Davis. But the film finally belongs to Hoffman, who seems to connect with
the character at a very deep and abiding level. --Tom Keogh
Personal Review: Tootsie [VHS] starring Dustin Hoffman,
Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Sydney Pollack
Wonderful little package!
When Tootsie came out on dvd (up to that point I had the video, the
soundtrack on cassette and possibly the sheet music) I was bitterly
disappointed by the lack of extras..
Or should I say the extra - a trailer for the film..
So Im pleasantly surprised with the 25th aniversary release of this film
(February 2008 released). Ok, the deleted scenes arent much cop (5 brief
scenes - mention of Terry Bishop but not much else - Terry Bishop we
learn is Michaels old roommate who took his role on The Iceman Cometh,
which is why Michael was so furious and had to see his agent early on in
the movie..
Ok - well, what can you say? One of the best films ever made? with an
unbilled Bill Murray (Jeff) (not listed in the credits! what gives?!) I
remember reading in one of Roger Eberts reviews or something how Bill
didnt ask for a credit. He very nearly steals the film!
Hes kind of a Greek Chorus, commenting on the action here and there,
very wittily too I might add: You slut!
It probably is the best film he has ever been in. Rushmore is great but the
replay factor isnt so great as Tootsies.
What I like most about this package is that theres an hour long Making of
Tootsie. This is the best bonus feature on this dvd (the deleted scenes are
about 10 minutes, not really watching more than once to be honest; and
theres a few minutes of Dustin Hoffmans screen tests as Dorothy Michael,
fairly early on?)
But quite a lot of interesting stuff gets covered - first, the script.. It went
through many different hands, lotta different perspectives. An (uncredited)
woman writer fleshed out the female characters (Sandy (Teri Garr), etc))
You get Dabney Coleman, Jessica Lange, Dustin Hoffman, Teri Garr
talking about the film, and its clear they absolutely love it, thoroughly
enjoyed their time acting in it, that it was just a breeze to do so. Hoffmans
talking about his alter ego Dorothy, and you can tell hes very close to her,
discussing who she was and what made her tick (and how she would have
a difficult time finding a love, in his opinion, cos she really wasnt physically
attractive, which upset him when talking it over with his wife)
WELL worth watching, this making of..
Back to Bill Murray - probably his best role. I know its a supporting
character, and hes only in it here and there, but hes really quite wonderful.
The voice of sanity throughout the film: Do not do this! he tells Michael at
one point when hes about to go away with Julie upstate, eating lemons (a
detail which makes for a richer film, though of course it makes no sense,
and noone knew Bill would be eating them in that shot.. Murray seems to
have had the filmmakers in thrall - at one point its mentioned how Murray
was pissed off with his room in the apartment in the film and TRASHED IT!
The apartment is on 17th street, which is an interesting detail - as this is a
New York City film. The Russian Tearoom is where Dorothy accosts his
agent of course. You get the action of the film ending on a street with
passers by, very rich detail. Very moving stuff. You totally buy into the
reality of the film because it looks so real. The apartment kitchen is tiny,
hardly a mirror to look at yourself into, wonderful improvised scene with
Sandy there..
I remember watching this on laserdisc.. I dont still have laserdisc, but I
think the picture quality is better than the old video (widescreen of course,
with subtitles if you like)
The music is lovely (sadly the soundtrack cd is out of print and only
available as a Japanese import). And Dabney Coleman plays a jerk so
wonderfully! Tootsie take ten!
A few bits were late additions to the film, curiously: Jeffs rambling on at the
party in the beginning (where hes rambling on about wanting to open a
play only when it rains); Michael Dorseys teaching of actors (actually, he
was addressing actual acting students.. this undoubtedly adds to the films
reality)
The film couldve gone wrong so many ways. Dustin could have looked
perfectly ridiculous in drag (he does mention Some Like It Hot as
reference, another wonderful screwball comedy). But the story if affecting,
the support work is wonderful. (Jeff is a GIFT to an actor - rather like
Shakespeares Mercutio)
For More 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price:
Tootsie [VHS] starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman,
Sydney Pollack 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price!