5
Powerless, Cerebral, and Warm Blues
Powerless Blues
Tootsie
1982. Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Dabney
Coleman, Charles Durning. Directed by Sydney Pollack.
Cinematography: Owen Roizman; Production Design:
Peter S. Larkin
The Reluctant Feminist
We all know the story, but look at it this way. Tootsie uses powerless blue in a way rarely seen on film. The color becomes an ironic undercurrent. In this case, it’s the guy who is powerless. Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), an unemployed actor, can’t get a job. Through incredible ingenuity, he transforms into Dorothy Michaels, snags a plum role on a soap, and becomes a huge star. Dorothy’s on the cover of a national magazine in a red sequined dress, but Michael, who wears faded blue sweatshirts, ...
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