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Making Tootsie
Describes the experiences of the actor, Dustin Hoffman, and the director, Sydney Pollack, during the production of the motion picture, Tootsie
- GenresFilmNonfiction
120 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1983
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45 people want to read
About the author
Susan Dworkin
25 books17 followersSusan Dworkin is an unlimited author. She writes books for everyone.
ARE YOU A TRUE HISTORY BUFF? Susan co-wrote the New York Times Best Seller, THE NAZI OFFICER'S WIFE, with Edith Hahn Beer, the woman who lived this amazing story of love, terror and courage in Hitler's Germany.
ARE YOU A SCIENCE FICTION FAN? Susan's thrill-filled novel, THE COMMONS, is set 150 years in the future, When an ancient plague threatens to destroy the wheat crop, a revolutionary coalition of farmers, scientists and courageous young rock stars must save the world from starvation.
ARE YOU A MOVIE ADDICT? Consider MAKING TOOTSIE, the up-close investigation which Susan wrote when she was the only journalist allowed on the set of the classic gender-bending comedy featuring Dustin Hoffman.
AT MS. MAGAZINE, Dworkin was a contributing editor for more than ten years, interviewing such celebrities as Meryl Streep, Danny Glover, Carol Burnett, and Whoopi Goldberg. She is also a leading AUDIOBOOK PRODUCER, publishing terrific voice versions of authors like Isaac Bashevis Singer, Edna Ferber, Cynthia Ozick and I.L. Peretz.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SPEAKER? Susan is a delightful and much sought-after lecturer who has cracked up audiences from the Library of Congress to the Crop Science Society. You can hear samples of her speeches -- and find out everything else about her -- by going to her website: www.SusanDworkin.com.
ARE YOU A TRUE HISTORY BUFF? Susan co-wrote the New York Times Best Seller, THE NAZI OFFICER'S WIFE, with Edith Hahn Beer, the woman who lived this amazing story of love, terror and courage in Hitler's Germany.
ARE YOU A SCIENCE FICTION FAN? Susan's thrill-filled novel, THE COMMONS, is set 150 years in the future, When an ancient plague threatens to destroy the wheat crop, a revolutionary coalition of farmers, scientists and courageous young rock stars must save the world from starvation.
ARE YOU A MOVIE ADDICT? Consider MAKING TOOTSIE, the up-close investigation which Susan wrote when she was the only journalist allowed on the set of the classic gender-bending comedy featuring Dustin Hoffman.
AT MS. MAGAZINE, Dworkin was a contributing editor for more than ten years, interviewing such celebrities as Meryl Streep, Danny Glover, Carol Burnett, and Whoopi Goldberg. She is also a leading AUDIOBOOK PRODUCER, publishing terrific voice versions of authors like Isaac Bashevis Singer, Edna Ferber, Cynthia Ozick and I.L. Peretz.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SPEAKER? Susan is a delightful and much sought-after lecturer who has cracked up audiences from the Library of Congress to the Crop Science Society. You can hear samples of her speeches -- and find out everything else about her -- by going to her website: www.SusanDworkin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 7, 2018
I enjoyed the movie Tootsie when I saw it and, like a lot of comedy movies from the 80's, largely forgot about it and never really considered its significance - however, reading the book caused me to evaluate it all in a new light.
Susan, who was the only "embedded" reporter on the original project (meaning she was on the set alongside the crew and interviewing everyone all along the process) has done a great job of revising and updating her original notes on the process and as a whole it makes an interesting and thoughtful read. Anecdotes and serious discussion and factual recounting of events all combine in the narrative, and in a relatively short read she does a great service to the feel of the original shoot but also important background knowledge on it. As an example, Dustin and Sydney's approach to creation and their specific work on the film are explored in such a way you come to understand why the project ends being the way it is.
There is a lot of talk of feminism and the feel of the time and a lot of people discuss their take on this candidly as well - none of this is tedious as feminism is the core engine of the movie (or at least a critical component) and Susan does a good job also recounting the 'feel' of the time, as a discussion of feminism then is markedly different to a discussion of the same issues now. You get a great feel for the important work Dustin and Sydney did at what must have been a forefront of narrative at the time. The fact so much can be nearly encapsulated in what at first glance is "a wacky 80s comedy" shows the brilliant skill of the creators as well.
As a slightly irrelevant side note, I also found it interesting how it serves as a time capsule for the differences in film making then and now; towards the end of the book the logistics of flying "dailies" from New York to Hollywood for editing, and the fact editing took place with large clunky machines, tightly wound yards of celluloid and, yes, actual razor blades and tape is a interesting diversion from the modern conveniences of instant replay and digital editing's convenience. When you consider how much easier technically the processes are now, the accomplishments of those days (with often 12 different takes of each shot to be reviewed and edited together) shows how accomplished the veterans were, and Sydney Pollack is, specifically. I had no idea he was such a Renaissance Man and the book has caused me to (pleasantly) reappraise his and Dustin's genius.
I would go so far as to say it would be an interesting read even if, like me, you only thought of Tootsie as a throwaway 89s comedy, but people who already were fans of it will definitely get a lot out of this book.
I only wish a lot more of the movies I liked had the benefit of such a treatment.
Susan, who was the only "embedded" reporter on the original project (meaning she was on the set alongside the crew and interviewing everyone all along the process) has done a great job of revising and updating her original notes on the process and as a whole it makes an interesting and thoughtful read. Anecdotes and serious discussion and factual recounting of events all combine in the narrative, and in a relatively short read she does a great service to the feel of the original shoot but also important background knowledge on it. As an example, Dustin and Sydney's approach to creation and their specific work on the film are explored in such a way you come to understand why the project ends being the way it is.
There is a lot of talk of feminism and the feel of the time and a lot of people discuss their take on this candidly as well - none of this is tedious as feminism is the core engine of the movie (or at least a critical component) and Susan does a good job also recounting the 'feel' of the time, as a discussion of feminism then is markedly different to a discussion of the same issues now. You get a great feel for the important work Dustin and Sydney did at what must have been a forefront of narrative at the time. The fact so much can be nearly encapsulated in what at first glance is "a wacky 80s comedy" shows the brilliant skill of the creators as well.
As a slightly irrelevant side note, I also found it interesting how it serves as a time capsule for the differences in film making then and now; towards the end of the book the logistics of flying "dailies" from New York to Hollywood for editing, and the fact editing took place with large clunky machines, tightly wound yards of celluloid and, yes, actual razor blades and tape is a interesting diversion from the modern conveniences of instant replay and digital editing's convenience. When you consider how much easier technically the processes are now, the accomplishments of those days (with often 12 different takes of each shot to be reviewed and edited together) shows how accomplished the veterans were, and Sydney Pollack is, specifically. I had no idea he was such a Renaissance Man and the book has caused me to (pleasantly) reappraise his and Dustin's genius.
I would go so far as to say it would be an interesting read even if, like me, you only thought of Tootsie as a throwaway 89s comedy, but people who already were fans of it will definitely get a lot out of this book.
I only wish a lot more of the movies I liked had the benefit of such a treatment.
February 5, 2019
Having seen TOOTSIE during its original theatrical release, and having enjoyed it immensely multiple times over the years, it was somewhat challenging but nonetheless very enjoyable to read about its creation.
What makes this particular making-of book a bit different from most is that although it focuses on this one film from 1982, in many respects it’s also the story of pretty much every film production made in the modern era. Susan Dworkin’s coverage of Dustin Hoffman’s motivations and concerns, and also director & producer Sydney Pollack’s work style, fears, and drive, are absolutely fascinating and really shed new light on both men’s careers in the film industry. In addition, Dworkin gives long overdue recognition to Teri Garr (who was nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role in this). I was very pleasantly blown away to learn that a pivotal scene between Garr and Hoffman was almost entirely ad-libbed by her on the spot, even though it plays like it was fully scripted. Ms. Garr has definitely earned my respect as a creative person.
While I was already a fan of this film, reading this engaging book gave me a new appreciation for it, and for Sydney Pollack and Dustin Hoffman, Teri Garr, and the rest of the talented cast and crew who made this picture.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommended, especially for film students and enthusiasts.
What makes this particular making-of book a bit different from most is that although it focuses on this one film from 1982, in many respects it’s also the story of pretty much every film production made in the modern era. Susan Dworkin’s coverage of Dustin Hoffman’s motivations and concerns, and also director & producer Sydney Pollack’s work style, fears, and drive, are absolutely fascinating and really shed new light on both men’s careers in the film industry. In addition, Dworkin gives long overdue recognition to Teri Garr (who was nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role in this). I was very pleasantly blown away to learn that a pivotal scene between Garr and Hoffman was almost entirely ad-libbed by her on the spot, even though it plays like it was fully scripted. Ms. Garr has definitely earned my respect as a creative person.
While I was already a fan of this film, reading this engaging book gave me a new appreciation for it, and for Sydney Pollack and Dustin Hoffman, Teri Garr, and the rest of the talented cast and crew who made this picture.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommended, especially for film students and enthusiasts.
July 2, 2024
I've loved "Tootsie" since the first time I saw it. It's one of the movies I distinctly remember my parents having on VHS when I was a kid. So, of course, I couldn't resist checking out this behind-the-scenes look at how the film came together.
Overall, I really liked it. Great insights into Hoffman, Pollack, acting, directing and the movie making process in general as it stood in the early 1980s. I was particularly interested in the editing process, which gets touched on briefly toward the end of the book. As a creative person, there were some really great quotes that I think I'll be coming back to in the future.
The way the film makers stressed the importance of contrasting Julie from Sandy, so that audiences would know for sure who the "true" love interest in Tootsie was supposed to be, was something that stood out to me. The methods they used to make Sandy seem less appealing made me feel a little... uncomfortable at points, which only makes sense, considering how many years have passed since the movie was made. But it's interesting to see how a movie that challenged stereotypes around women in some ways fell prey to them in others.
Overall, I really liked it. Great insights into Hoffman, Pollack, acting, directing and the movie making process in general as it stood in the early 1980s. I was particularly interested in the editing process, which gets touched on briefly toward the end of the book. As a creative person, there were some really great quotes that I think I'll be coming back to in the future.
The way the film makers stressed the importance of contrasting Julie from Sandy, so that audiences would know for sure who the "true" love interest in Tootsie was supposed to be, was something that stood out to me. The methods they used to make Sandy seem less appealing made me feel a little... uncomfortable at points, which only makes sense, considering how many years have passed since the movie was made. But it's interesting to see how a movie that challenged stereotypes around women in some ways fell prey to them in others.
December 9, 2024
Making movies can be as interesting as watching them. An inside story on the complications and challenges includes many funny moments and insight into when a director as good as Sydney Pollack has an actor as precise and dedicated as Dustin Hoffman. Some fun moments also with Teri Garr, Bill Murray a n d a few less with Jessica Lange who is probably intensely private about her process.
I love learning how a great movie gets made
I love hearing how people get by roadblocks. I admire anyone having to cut a film that probably has several good takes and improvs.
This ended up one of the best comedies ever. And the book a put it is worth the times I spent reading.
I love learning how a great movie gets made
I love hearing how people get by roadblocks. I admire anyone having to cut a film that probably has several good takes and improvs.
This ended up one of the best comedies ever. And the book a put it is worth the times I spent reading.
June 25, 2023
So, this was written pretty much when the movie came out, which explains it’s promotional feel and it’s brief length. It’s almost as in depth as the best of these kind of books but doesn’t have the benefit of hindsight. A few little warts-and-all things slip through but I bet a more honest version of this would be better. That said, this is still a fascinating look at the artistic process of Dustin Hoffman and Sydney Pollack well worth the 120 odd pages of your time. Every examination of bringing a movie to the screen is worth it and this is no different.
May 4, 2023
I was suggested to read this book because it's one of the first financially successful movies that involved cross dressing. It was definitely interesting to gain some insight into Dustin "Dusty" Hoffman. I should have watched the movie before reading the book. I was disappointed that it didn't speak about the response to the movie by the Trans community. 6/10
September 21, 2024
Good but a little frustrating
As a “making of the film” book, this one works on some levels. The author was clearly involved in the making of the picture and was on site for much of the shooting, as her anecdotes seem first hand. But there is little insight into the background of the movie as a whole, and that sometimes gets frustrating.
As a “making of the film” book, this one works on some levels. The author was clearly involved in the making of the picture and was on site for much of the shooting, as her anecdotes seem first hand. But there is little insight into the background of the movie as a whole, and that sometimes gets frustrating.
October 10, 2020
I really enjoyed the movie and this book tells the story behind the making of the movie. I enjoyed the movie more. However, it was interesting to know the author was present in the making of the movie.
June 3, 2023
#57 of 120 books pledged to read during 2023
December 12, 2022
An insider's look at the chancy, troubled production that became a comedy classic. Author Dworkin brings us on set, in the editing suite, and out to lunch with those both above and below the line, as they struggle to create narrative coherence and bedroom farce from a perpetually malleable script. Thin as it is, it's the best book on the reality of filmmaking - the nagging logistics, the warring sensibilities, the fits about money and career - since Carl Gottlieb's "The Jaws Log," and maybe even Lillian Ross' "Picture."
August 27, 2013
This is a fun and light look at the making of the classic comedy film Tootsie. "Light" is the best thing you can say about it. The book is excellent when discussing Dustin Hoffman's interest in the play and Hoffman's intense, time-consuming, wrestle-with-the-role approach to the character. It's also quite good in documenting the genesis of the film, Hoffman and Pollack's interest in it, and how it got written. (Did you know that Buddy Hackett was the prime mover behind making it a film?)
The remainder of the book, however, is not very substantial. Dworkin neglects shamefully the technical side of the production, and focuses excessively on Hoffman -- giving us little insight into the ways in which Bill Murray, Teri Garr, Jessica Lange, Charles Durning, or Dabney Coleman made the film come alive. If you want to know about cinematography, costuming, make-up, set design, direction, or editing -- go somwhere else. This book ain't got nothin' 'bout that! Oddly, although there is a lot of secondary stuff out there about the film's soundtrack and songs, little of it is incorporated here.
On the whole, however, it's a fun book, and interesting book, and a book that contains more facts and information than you'll get anywhere else.
The remainder of the book, however, is not very substantial. Dworkin neglects shamefully the technical side of the production, and focuses excessively on Hoffman -- giving us little insight into the ways in which Bill Murray, Teri Garr, Jessica Lange, Charles Durning, or Dabney Coleman made the film come alive. If you want to know about cinematography, costuming, make-up, set design, direction, or editing -- go somwhere else. This book ain't got nothin' 'bout that! Oddly, although there is a lot of secondary stuff out there about the film's soundtrack and songs, little of it is incorporated here.
On the whole, however, it's a fun book, and interesting book, and a book that contains more facts and information than you'll get anywhere else.
June 11, 2008
Why is it--in New England anyway--that people look so horrified when you say, "Just me." in response to their inquiry about the number of people in your party? I can't be the only person who likes going to brunch or movies alone. Or maybe I am.
Anyway I read this while eating brunch alone *insert some crazy cat lady music* and while I really enjoyed it, I was disapointed it didn't provide any new information. Much of the information, though cursory can be gleamed from Pollack's 90s interview with Terry Gross, which she rebroadcasted the day after he died.
Still, it's Sydney and that means four stars.
Anyway I read this while eating brunch alone *insert some crazy cat lady music* and while I really enjoyed it, I was disapointed it didn't provide any new information. Much of the information, though cursory can be gleamed from Pollack's 90s interview with Terry Gross, which she rebroadcasted the day after he died.
Still, it's Sydney and that means four stars.
September 8, 2012
Will be interesting to those who like the work of Dustin Hoffman and the late, great Sydney Pollack. Reads like a long, focused magazine article (or two), rather than a larger look at all aspects of the film. It's really focused on Hoffman, however, and if you come to the book looking for tales of Hoffman, you won't be disappointed. I would have enjoyed more background involving the other actors (there was a bit on Teri Garr, but little of detail on Jessica Lange, who won an Academy Award for her role, or Bill Murray).
Obviously, see the movie before you read the book.
Obviously, see the movie before you read the book.
January 30, 2014
This is a must read for a fan of Hoffman, Pollack, or the movie itself. I never imagined how much thought went into this seemingly silly comedy. Gives you a glimpse into the (possibly outdated) work that goes into putting a movie together.
March 26, 2009
I really miss Sydney Pollack, may he rest in peace. A great director.
July 27, 2014
Fascinating and well done. If you love the movie as I do, love stories of Hollywood or just moviemaking in general read this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews