Thank goodness for Tootsie (1982), after both Patton and Schindler's List!

I definitely needed a laugh, and this brilliant comedy proves, once again, that men in dresses is intrinsically funny. But it takes more than a sight gag to make good cinema. In this case, it's a cast of superb talent, a terrific script by Larry Gelbart (take a look at his resume), and the tight direction of Sidney Pollack.

What's best about Tootsie is that it makes its points about women in society without using a sledgehammer. The focus of the movie is on the love story, as it should be, and also the transformation of a few characters. If this movie were made today, I'm not sure it would be allowed the same complex treatment within the prevailing Hollywood style.

Put this movie next to Some Like It Hot and you'll find the same gentle craft and hysterical situations. You'll also find that Tony Curtis and Dustin Hoffman can deliver a look, regardless of makeup, that will break your heart.

Dustin Hoffman, before...

...and after, in a classic transition.

The understated, and therefore very funny, Dabney Coleman

Director Sidney Pollack. His role isn't a cameo. He has as much screen time as several other actors.

Geena Davis, in her first film role. At 6" tall, she towers over 5'7" Hoffman and, in my opinion, is much easier on the eyes. (And just so you don't think I'm only looking at Ms. Davis, notice the great set work, with the unicorn posters on the walls.)

Dustin Hoffman and George Gaynes, who turns in a delicious performance, especially later in the film when he makes a few minutes screen time into a complex wonder of pathos.

The funny, lovely, silly Teri Garr, who spent a lot of this film crying. Her character deserves better treatment that she receives from Hoffman.

Charles Durning. Utterly believable. It's clear that he can do anything.

Jessica Lange. Ms. Lange also turns in an understated performance, in what could easily have been a two-dimensional caricature. Very nice.

Bill Murray, being his bread and butter character. But it's sooo goooood!

This scene was exceptionally tender. The photo doesn't do it justice.

I wept.

Schindler's List (1993)

Ralph Fiennes

Liam Neeson

Ben Kingsley

"I could have done more."

"You did so much."

"One more person."

For various reasons, I'm behind on my AFI films. I watched Patton (1970) over a week ago, and am just now getting to this write up.

Well, first of all, I'll cut to the chase. As General George S. Patton, Jr., Gearge C. Scott delivers one of the greatest performances by any actor ever, anywhere.

From his opening monologue, he pierces the audience in a way that must be seen. What was it like, I wonder, on the set when Scott was in character? He must have caused several grown men to wet their pants, and feel as small as roaches. Scott is reputed to have said that he never really captured Patton, which I find frightening. He also famously turned down the Academy award for best actor, not believing in competition between actors.

And, he was aided by the superb Karl Malden, who provided an excellent complement. In my view, Malden's is exactly the right performance. He's the human soldier, not brilliantly audacious like Patton, but excellent as the head of the US army (in fact, Patton's superior) who must balance Patton's nerve with national politics and winning the war.

I'm going to surprise you by having only two screen captures for a three hour movie. In my opinion, there are only two people to show. They are the film.

Patton is a complex movie about a complex man and complex time. Don't miss it.

George C. Scott

Karl Malden