Tootsie

     Tootsie is a film directed by Sydney Pollack in 1882. It is a comedy staring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, and Teri Garr. In this film Dustin Hoffman's character Michael Dorsey is an actor in New York city who has trouble finding jobs because of his over powering opinions. His best friend and roommate Jeff, played by Bill Murray, is a play writer struggling to find a producer for his latest play. Michael, unable to find work and determined to help his friend, disguises himself as a woman to find new acting opportunities. His female alter ego, Dorothy Michaels finds herself a job on a current tv drama/soap where he meets his love interest Julie played by Jessica Lange. Juggling his old friend and new lover Sandy, played by Teri Garr, and his co-worker Julie, Michael finds himself running back and forth to maintain both lives. While Michael struggles to be a strong, tv role model woman and a charming man, his perspectives begins to change and he breaks the opinion of many.

     In this film, gender roles are something that get pushed. The lines of what a man should be and what a woman should be, get twisted and blurred. 

At the beginning of the film, Michael is a typical male. He isn't very feminine and he doesn't have many relationships with women other than his 6 year old friend Sandy. The way he talks to or about women isn't very respectful. Hey talks about Sandy like she's a sad little girl that only complains. Until he becomes Dorothy Michaels.
As Dorothy Michael's, Michael is forced to face the daily struggles and hardships of being a woman. Not only physically with the clothing or the makeup, but also emotionally. Dorothy doesn't get the respect he normally does as a man. Like in the film Thelma & Louise, Thelma goes from a fragile, damsel in distress character, to a strong woman. In Michael's case, transforming from a typically male character, to a strong female role model.
Michael doesn't always see things the way he does as Dorothy. Near the end of the film, Michael stops dressing as Dorothy and his life pretty much goes back to the way it was. He may have a slightly larger respect for women but nothing major in his life changes. He goes back to dating women and he continues to be an actor.

Feminism in Film - Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise through a feminist lens is a powerful and strong messaged film.

Thelma & Louise is a film about two females that undergo the journey of their lives. Without knowing, the two girls leave on a road trip, and encounter a dangerous situation. After doing what's necessary to stay safe, they are being pursued by the police.
Thelma's character starts out as a typical, damsel in distress character. She has an abusive husband and she doesn't even try to leave him. Throughout their hard times, Thelma's character begins to change. She starts to realize that a woman can be strong and independent. Her transformation showed her quick development from a small minded housewife to a woman that knows she can concur the world of men as long as she always does things on her own terms.
Louise's character starts out as a stern, independent, working woman. She's had a rough life that caused her to be cautious with the men in her life. As her journey goes on, she losses her typically male characteristics. With the help of Thelma, Louise's tough shell is broken to open up to the people she loves.
Gender roles get which, changed, and played with in this film. Two very complex and developed characters transform to almost their exact opposite .