Tootsie

Main Plot

"Tootsie," directed by Sydney Pollack, follows the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor struggling to find work due to his reputation for being hard to work with. Desperate for a job, he disguises himself as a woman named Dorothy Michaels and lands a role on a popular soap opera. As Dorothy, Michael becomes a sensation, gaining newfound respect and success. However, his double life leads to a series of comedic and complicated situations, especially as he develops feelings for his co-star, Julie. The film explores themes of gender roles, identity, and the challenges of maintaining personal integrity in the face of professional and personal dilemmas. Through his experiences as Dorothy, Michael gains a deeper understanding of himself and the women around him.

Characters

• Dustin Hoffman plays Michael Dorsey, an actor who disguises himself as a woman, Dorothy Michaels, to land a role, leading to comedic and dramatic complications.
• Jessica Lange plays Julie Nichols, an actress who becomes the love interest of the protagonist, complicating his life as he navigates his dual identity.
• Teri Garr plays Sandy Lester, an aspiring actress and friend of the protagonist. Her struggles and friendship highlight the challenges women face in the acting industry.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Sydney Pollack's film "Tootsie," Michael Dorsey (played by Dustin Hoffman) reveals his true identity during a live broadcast of the soap opera "Southwest General." Throughout the movie, Michael has been masquerading as Dorothy Michaels, a female character, to secure acting work. The climax occurs when Michael, as Dorothy, improvises a dramatic speech on the show, unveiling that Dorothy is actually her brother, Edward, in disguise. This shocking revelation is met with astonishment by the cast and crew, particularly Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange), with whom Michael has developed a close relationship. Following the broadcast, Michael faces the repercussions of his deception but also experiences a sense of liberation. He approaches Julie to apologize and explain his actions. Initially hurt and confused, Julie eventually begins to understand Michael's motivations and the complexities of his situation. The film concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting the possibility of reconciliation and a fresh start for Michael and Julie. This ending underscores themes of honesty, identity, and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.