For years I have been a fan of Dustin Hoffman. I admire the roles he takes, the depth of his talent, his ability to laugh, even at himself. I have always hoped to one day achieve the success and respectable career that Mr. Hoffman has earned.

If we are really going to trace my affinity for him back, it began with Hook. The scene with the “boo box” spurred an admiration so great, my 5 year old mind was overwhelmed.  About fourteen years later I was sitting in my basement, dreaming of critical acclaim and Oscar nominations and watching The Graduate, when I realized, not only do I identify with Benjamin Braddock (the one who has graduated), I hoped to one day identify with Dustin Hoffman.

I became enthralled by his entire career. I checked out every book from my University’s film library on his life as an actor (and racked up about $200 in late fees). I rented every film of his and watched each one tirelessly. I managed to write a paper on Dustin Hoffman’s career and propose it as an alternate topic for a final essay. I was a woman obsessed.

During this time he was filming Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium not far from my apartment in Toronto. I would walk down the street and imagine how I might initiate a conversation with him. Chance encounters with celebrities are not uncommon in Toronto, so these scenarios where not wholly ridiculous. Weeks earlier I had bumped into Christopher Walken and managed to spill the bag on M&M’s I was eating all over the sidewalk in a statement of shock, thus making an amazing impression. I had decided I would be much cooler when I eventually bumped into Mr. Hoffman.

The closest I ever came was a missed encounter in a mall. I had a friend who worked at an athletic store and used to exploit her discount shamelessly. I was trying on pair after pair of unnecessary yoga pants and eventually sauntered my way to the checkout. As I plopped my pile of pants down, my friend excitedly told me that the person checking out ahead of me was none other than Dustin Hoffman expanding his loungewear collection. Despite running out of the store and into the hallways in a desperate attempt to impress my idol, he was nowhere to be found.

My admiration for Mr. Hoffman continues to this day. I find myself watching Tootsie on days when I need a little encouragement, All the President’s Men on days when I feel accomplished, and Rain Man on days when I am annoyed by Tom Cruise.

This summer The Rivera Theatre has decided to cater directly to me and host a retrospective of Dustin Hoffman’s film career. It begins on July 1st with The Graduate and continues every Thursday until Spetember 2nd. Should the Square be rainy, or you find yourself in need of a little inspiration, I recommend heading to North Tonawanda for a little Hoffman magic. I most likely will!

‘Til next time, definitely next time, definitely definitely next time,

-Allie