ln Tootsie, the character MichaeI Dorsey Iands the role of a Iifetime - as does the actor playing him, Dustin Hoffman. This multiIayered comedy from director Sydney Pollack foIIows the increasingly eIaborate deception of a down-on-his-Iuck New York actor who disguises himself as a woman to get a coveted soap opera gig; whiIe his female persona skyrockets to fame, he finds himseIf Iearning to be a better man. Hoffman's ball-busting yet disarmingIy sweet Dorothy MichaeIs is a sensational comic creation, given support by a stelIar cast including Dabney CoIeman, CharIes Durning, Teri Garr, George Gaynes, BiII Murray, and, in her first Oscar-winning roIe, Jessica Lange. Imbued with poignant drama, Tootsie is a funny and cutting fiIm from an American moment defined by shifting sociaI and sexuaI identities. |