Comparing and Contrasting the Aesthetic Aspects of Tootsie (1982) and Six Degrees of Separation (1990)

**Comparing and Contrasting the Aesthetic Aspects of Tootsie (1982) and Six Degrees of Separation (1990)**

Sydney Pollack’s Tootsie (1982) and John Guare’s Six Degrees of Separation (1990) are both celebrated works in the realms of cinema and theater, respectively, that explore themes of identity, social interaction, and the complexities of human relationships. While one is a comedic film and the other a stage play, both pieces provide insightful commentary on societal norms, deception, and self-perception. Despite their differences in medium, the aesthetic choices—including tone, character development, symbolism, and visual style—are crucial to the impact of both works. This comparison and contrast will examine the ways these aesthetic elements shape the overall meaning and emotional resonance of the two works.

1. Tone and Genre

Tootsie (1982)

Tootsie, directed by Sydney Pollack, is primarily a comedy, though it incorporates elements of drama and satire. The lighthearted, humorous tone of the film creates a contrast with the deeper emotional and social issues it addresses. The central plot revolves around Michael Dorsey, a talented but unemployed actor who disguises himself as a woman, Dorothy Michaels, to land a role in a soap opera. The comedic moments arise from Michael’s absurd situation as he navigates life in his new female persona, but the film also delves into themes of gender roles, identity, and self-worth.

Humor and Satire: The film uses situational comedy and gender-based humor to expose the limitations and expectations placed on both men and women in society. Its aesthetic focuses on physical humor (Michael’s clumsy efforts at femininity) and the irony of a man performing as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Six Degrees of Separation (1990)

In contrast, Six Degrees of Separation, a play by John Guare, operates more within the realm of dark comedy and drama. The play explores the deceptive nature of social relationships through the story of a young con artist, Paul, who infiltrates the lives of an affluent couple, Ouisa and Flan Kittredge, pretending to be the son of actor Sidney Poitier. While the play has moments of humor, its tone is more introspective and critical, focusing on themes of class, social elitism, and the complexity of human connection.

Psychological Drama and Dark Comedy: Guare’s work relies on sharp wit and ironic humor to critique the superficiality of the upper class. The aesthetic style of the play is focused on dialogue, often rapid and witty, which underscores the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.

2. Character Development and Performance

Tootsie (1982)

In Tootsie, the character development of Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels is essential to the emotional core of the story. Michael’s transition from a frustrated, self-centered actor to a more empathetic, self-aware individual is marked by his experiences as Dorothy. His gender performance and interactions with others (particularly his relationship with Julie, the woman he loves) create a narrative arc that is both comedic and redemptive. Dustin Hoffman’s performance as both Michael and Dorothy is a key aesthetic choice, as his portrayal of a man embodying femininity highlights the tension between the self and the societal roles imposed on individuals.

Gender and Identity Exploration: The physical transformation of Michael into Dorothy highlights the fluidity of gender and identity, serving as a comedic yet poignant exploration of how people present themselves to the world. The gender performance becomes a means for Michael to learn about his own assumptions about gender, power, and relationships.

Six Degrees of Separation (1990)

In Six Degrees of Separation, the central character is Paul, a young man whose chameleon-like ability to adopt new identities allows him to manipulate those around him. Paul’s character represents the theme of deception and the search for connection in an increasingly fragmented world. Unlike Michael in Tootsie, Paul is not transforming for personal growth but is instead a social predator who exploits the superficiality of the wealthy to find a sense of belonging. Paul’s performance in the play is vital for the disruption of the Kittredges’ carefully constructed lives, revealing the vulnerability and emptiness that come with their privileged status.

Psychological Depth: The psychological depth of Paul’s character contrasts with Michael’s transformation. Paul’s motivations are more sinister, and his actions emphasize the moral and emotional complexities of deceit, while Michael’s actions, though deceptive, ultimately lead to personal growth. The character development in Six Degrees of Separation highlights themes of alienation, identity confusion, and the desire for connection.

3. Symbolism and Thematic Exploration

Tootsie (1982)

In Tootsie, the symbolism of gender roles is central to the film’s exploration of identity and authenticity. Michael’s transformation into Dorothy symbolizes the masks that people wear in society, either for personal survival or to meet external expectations. The film critiques the commodification of women’s roles in the entertainment industry and broader society. Michael’s internal conflict between self-presentation and authenticity is illustrated through his interactions with Dorothy’s co-workers, especially with Julie, whose romantic affections towards Dorothy expose the fragility of personal identity.

Theatricality as Symbol: The very nature of Michael’s disguise is a metaphor for performance in everyday life, reflecting how people often play roles to gain love, success, or approval. The soap opera setting adds to the aesthetic of artifice, symbolizing the tension between reality and illusion.

Six Degrees of Separation (1990)

In contrast, Six Degrees of Separation uses social status and materialism as the primary symbols to critique the illusion of closeness and authenticity in relationships. Paul’s imposture serves as a symbol of the permeable nature of identity, suggesting that the boundary between reality and appearance can be easily crossed. The play’s focus on wealth, social connections, and illusion speaks to the alienating effects of privilege and artificial social structures. The Kittredges’ mansion is symbolic of their social aspirations, and Paul’s intrusion represents the fragility of their constructed reality.

Manipulation as Symbol: Paul’s manipulation of the Kittredges symbolizes the dangers of deception, and his success in infiltrating their lives represents the unreliability of social boundaries and the unpredictability of human nature. His actions expose the hollowness of societal norms that prioritize appearances over genuine human connection.

4. Visual and Aesthetic Style

Tootsie (1982)

In terms of visual style, Tootsie incorporates bright colors and soft lighting to create a relatively optimistic atmosphere, even as it critiques societal norms. The visual presentation of Dorothy’s transformation, from makeup and costume changes to her interactions with others, underscores the theatricality of the character’s existence. The film’s visual style is grounded in the conventional cinematic techniques of the time, using close-ups and quick cuts to emphasize comedic timing and physical humor.

Six Degrees of Separation (1990)

In contrast, the visual style of Six Degrees of Separation is more minimalist and intimate, reflecting the psychological tension between the characters. The set design, including the Kittredges’ sleek, modern apartment, visually reflects their wealth and social status, while also highlighting the emptiness of their lives. The play’s use of limited settings and focused lighting amplifies the emotional weight of the characters’ relationships, focusing on dialogue and psychological drama rather than visual spectacle.

Conclusion: The Aesthetic Differences and Similarities

While both Tootsie and Six Degrees of Separation explore the theme of identity and deception, their aesthetic approaches differ significantly. Tootsie employs humor and visual comedy to address gender roles and the performance of self, while Six Degrees of Separation uses dark humor and psychological tension to critique social elites and the illusory nature of identity. Both works utilize their respective mediums—film and theater—to reflect on the fragility of self-perception and the role of societal expectations in shaping human behavior. The contrast in visual style, tone, and thematic focus reveals how different artistic forms can similarly engage with the human condition through identity, deception, and social dynamics.