MAKING TOOTSIE

Empathize with a character, and bring it to life through comparison with others

You may have also thought back to an old movie, Tootsie, a classic romantic comedy that tackled with wit and irony important issues such as sexism and the challenges of the entertainment industry. Although it came out in the 80s, it is surprising how relevant it is today, addressing topics such as gender discrimination and the difficulty of finding a job, issues that unfortunately continue to be current even today. You may also remember, perfectly, the details of that movie that made you laugh, but at the same time forced you to reflect on society and gender stereotypes. Sydney Pollack, the director, had shown an extraordinary talent in directing that movie. The script, brilliant and full of memorable lines, had won you over from the first viewing. The ingenious idea of ​​an actor who disguised himself as a woman to get a role had created a gripping plot full of twists.

“What makes Tootsie so special?” you may have wondered. Dustin Hoffman‘s performance was truly exceptional; swinging between comedy and drama, he managed to create a complex and multifaceted character. That film taught you the importance of being yourself, overcoming prejudice and believing in your dreams. We both agree: “it significantly influenced the representation of transgender people in the media.” Creating the right atmosphere for each scene, Dave Grusin’s soundtrack was perfect. Do you remember the notes of It Might Be You, the song by Stephen Bishop that accompanied the most intense moments of the film?

It’s amazing how Tootsie’s comedy and romance hide such profound and current messages. That film was a scathing critique of how women were undervalued and stereotyped in the entertainment industry. Michael Dorsey‘s transformation into Dorothy made you think about the need to wear masks to fit into society. The difficulty of being yourself and expressing your individuality? A very current theme. By highlighting the importance of friendship and mutual support, Tootsie showed that men and women are more similar than we think. Did you also identify with Michael’s communication difficulties? Did you understand how the fear of being judged can lead to misunderstandings?

The ending of Tootsie, a mixture of joy and bitterness, had left you reflecting on the complexity of life. One of the lines that stuck with you the most? Perhaps, when Michael, in Dorothy’s shoes, confesses to Julie: “I have been a better man with you, as a woman, than I have ever been with other women, as a man.” This line revealed not only the protagonist’s personal growth, but also how awareness of how disguise can help one become a better person. Drawing on that desire for awareness, digital artist Dastilige Nevante has created not only the images that accompany this post, but also a captivating video published on Youtube.