Tootsie

1982.

#62 / #69

Winner of 1 Academy Award.

Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is an out-of-work actor who dresses as a woman in order to get a part on a soap opera. He falls in love with his co-star (Jessica Lange) before revealing himself on live TV.

Eddie: I had never seen this movie until we started this little venture, and I was pleasantly surprised. TOOTSIE had more heart than I'd expected it to. Dustin Hoffman and the supporting cast do an admirable job of keeping the plot grounded in reality. They don't let it jump the rails into absolute yonkerville. TOOTSIE is the standard-bearer of "drag films," because it earns laughs from having Hoffman dress as a woman, but the movie treats the situation as seriously as it can.

Sarah: I also did not see this film until we started this project. I loved it. It's a pure delight. While I would say that SOME LIKE IT HOT is the standard for "drag films," Hoffman's performance takes it to a new level.

This film isn't just hilarious, it's damn sharp. Before Michael Dorsey becomes Dorothy, his life is incomplete. After his transformation he is a whole person. As a woman, Michael learns how to treat women, be responsible, stand up for himself, share with others, and listen to his own emotions. By getting to really know his feminine side, Michael becomes a fully developed human. That's what's great about the film. It doesn't just rely on the gags of a man walking in heels (which will always be funny). In between making us laugh, it teaches that instead of judging the difference between the sexes, we can learn from those differences. This is a must-see!

Why You Should See It: Watching Dustin Hoffman fight off his male suitors is funnier than watching Robin Williams ignite his décolletage.