...Teri Garr in Tootsie (1982).
15 minutes and 17 seconds on-screen
15 scenes (11 of which clock in at less than 1 minute)
14% of film's total screen time
But this bathroom burst isn't the audience's first glimpse of Garr's Sandy. Rather, Garr introduces Sandy nearly wordlessly, in the film's opening credits, during which Garr's Sandy is one of Michael Dorsey's most devoted acting students. Garr's expression in these montage scenes is a combination of rapt attention and utter confusion. Such a foggy fixation seems to underscore much of Garr's Sandy's adept characterization. She doesn't "get" everything happening around her but, make no mistake, she reacts intensely to whatever she actually does (or thinks she does) understand. This mix of utter cluelessness and wounded pride blends the comedy and poignancy girding Garr's performance.
It's so hard not feel just sad about Garr's Sandy. In the first half of her scenes, Hoffman's Michael steals her role, raids her wardrobe, and tosses her a pity-f*** to cover his tracks. Then, after they ostensibly begin a relationship and rehearsals for a new play, the remainder of the role tracks Garr's Sandy as she's trying to get Hoffman's Michael to pay her the slightest respect or attention. (It's really to Garr's credit that Sandy doesn't devolve into a shrewish nag, that she mostly remains a sweet, light and funny presence in the film.) That said, Garr's is a prickly wisp of a performance, left behind by the film as Sandy herself so often is by the world around her. And while StinkyLulu's loathe to add to Sandy's accumulation of humiliations, Garr's nomination here seems an overcompensation (almost a 2nd pity-f***). Never thought Lulu'd be the one to say this, but StinkyLulu's just not sure that Garr's performance -- while deft and memorable -- warrants the nomination here... To channel Garr's/Sandy's nemesis Lange/Julie, "Lulu really loves you Teri, but Lulu can't...can't love you."
1 comment:
Yeah, I'm surprised too that I came away so sour on Garr's performance and so fine with Lange's. Dunno if it's my definitive response but that's what happened. Not to overplay my hand, but right now Garr's toward the bottom of my list (but I suspect I'll be the exception rather than the rule).
Also, I had the hardest time finding things to say for this profile. Something just didn't click for me with Garr.
And, no, Newland, I didn't get the email, though I've been on the lookout for it. (Try me again, maybe here and here.) OR leave your email in comments here & I'll hide the comment-post shortly...) But do try to reach me, please...
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