by Abhishek Panikkar
Matthew McConaughey (Mud, The Lincoln Lawyer) stars as Ron Woodroof, an alcoholic, drug addicted, racist, homophobic, redneck cowboy who contracts AIDS during the 80’s AIDS epidemic in the USA and becomes the most unlikely beacon of hope for AIDS patients. The incredibly talented Jared Leto (Requiem for a Dream, Lord of War) plays Rayon, a cross-dressing pre-op transvestite who becomes Woodroof’s unlikely business partner. Jennifer Garner stars as Eve, Woodroof’s doctor who struggles choosing between her career and doing what is right. The film is based on a true story, directed by Canadian Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y., The Young Victoria) edited by Vallée himself and Martin Pensa. The film has been nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. The screenplay is written by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack and Cinematography is by Yves Bélanger.
Woodroof is not a very likeable character. He’s a rude, ignorant, frequent drug using electrician who likes casual unprotected sex and hustles people for some extra money as a rodeo cowboy. Upon being diagnosed as HIV positive and being told by his doctors that he has 30 days left to live, Woodroof refuses to roll over and die. At the time of his diagnosis, the only drug that seemed to be helping in some way was the untested AZT, which out of desperation of doctors and greed of pharmaceuticals was being sold at exorbitant rates. Woodroof manages to get his hands on the drug but it only seemed to make his condition worse. Out of desperation he makes it to Mexico where a charitable doctor introduces him to medicines that help manage the disease and are cheap but the drugs hadn't been approved by the US government at the time and were hence considered illegal. Woodroof senses a business opportunity and smuggles the drugs into the US, starting the Dallas Buyers Club with the help of Rayon, a fellow patient that he met during his hospitalization, through which AIDS victims upon becoming members of the club gained access to affordable treatment. He meets natural resistance and fights the medical industry, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies like the FDA, DEA and IRS.
Matthew McConaughey delivers a fantastic performance. His accent, appearance and Texan origin compliments the ferocious character perfectly. McConaughey is now being taken seriously by Hollywood for his acting talent more than just his good looks and his recent performances have been terrific. Jared Leto had been touring with his band “30 Seconds to Mars” for the last 4 years and his return to the silver screen further showcases his immense acting ability. He plays the drug addict role excellently as seen in “Requiem for a Dream” and “Lord of War” but this time he is totally unrecognizable as a transgender male, delivering a heartbreaking and powerful performance. The outstanding performances of both the actors are the highlight of the movie and they are both good bets for Oscar wins.
Jean-Marc Vallée brings the story to life in a vintage style filled with emotion even though the film making aspect of the movie was good but not amazing. The editing was fast paced and unrelenting, keeping you engrossed throughout the film and the cinematography and music fits really well with the subject matter. The film is an interesting look at the politics behind big pharmaceuticals and the flawed American healthcare system at the time as well as the abuse and treatment of homosexuals. It also portrays the transformation of a man who cared about nothing but himself and who realised that the only way things were going to get better was by standing up and ignoring what he was being told to do and just doing what he felt was right. On the whole, ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ is a gem of a film and McConaughey and Leto’s performances shouldn't be missed! I rate the film 8/10.
Jean-Marc Vallée brings the story to life in a vintage style filled with emotion even though the film making aspect of the movie was good but not amazing. The editing was fast paced and unrelenting, keeping you engrossed throughout the film and the cinematography and music fits really well with the subject matter. The film is an interesting look at the politics behind big pharmaceuticals and the flawed American healthcare system at the time as well as the abuse and treatment of homosexuals. It also portrays the transformation of a man who cared about nothing but himself and who realised that the only way things were going to get better was by standing up and ignoring what he was being told to do and just doing what he felt was right. On the whole, ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ is a gem of a film and McConaughey and Leto’s performances shouldn't be missed! I rate the film 8/10.