Tootsie is a far better film than Mrs Doubtfire. This is because Dustin Hoffman is and was a far better actor than Robin Williams was. Furthermore, Williams played the role in a "feeling sorry for myself" and sentimental way. Playing for sympathy. Hoffman played it straight. Absolutely, no sympathy Hoffman was looking for.
The film is not a LOL film. It has gentle laughs and makes quiet social comments on matters concerning sexism; acting jobs; relationships; and daily Soaps.
Hoffman is terrific. He is presently an underrated actor. But I believe he is one of the best actors of his generation, up there with Nicholson, Pacino, and De Niro.
Sydney Pollack was a revelation as the agent. I have not seen all the films that Pollock directed, but this is the best film I have seen directed by him.
The script is good and is not preachy about its themes of sexual and human relationships.
Not all the things in the film work. For example, when Michael says to the character played by Jessica Lange exactly what she wants a man to say to her to ask her out, I could not accept that she did not think that something was up or strange.
Nevertheless, despite a couple of misgivings I have about the film, it is superior to Mrs Doubtfire in my opinion
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