Dallas Buyers Club (Jean-Marc Vallée, 2013): USA

By Allison Fuerst. Viewed on DVD.

dbc picIn collaboration with screenwriters Craig Borten and Melissa Wallack, director Jean-Marc Vallée exposes the journey of Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) and his creation of the Dallas Buyers Club. This movie accurately depicts the hardships associated with AIDS during 1985 Dallas, Texas. After being diagnosed with HIV, Woodroof unfortunately falls victim to the common misconceptions regarding how to contract the sexually transmitted disease, as well as the uncertainties regarding effective treatment methods.

At a time when the disease is poorly understood, Woodroof is told by doctors that he has 30 days to live. First turning to the hospital for help, he is introduced to Dr. Eve Saks (Jennifer Garner) and is outraged to discover that the only treatment being offered is still undergoing testing with unknown results. Half of the patients receive the only FDA approved drug available called AZT, while the others receive a placebo. Taking matters into his own hands, Woodroof resorts to his own means to stay alive by obtaining information, medicine and vitamins from out-of-practice doctors and through conducting his own research. He brings back enough supplies to sell to other AIDS patients forming the Dallas Buyers Club as a result.

Initially portrayed as homophobic, he is forced to come to terms with his own denial and face reality. He looses his home and his friends that cut him off to avoid being associated with the “gay” disease. Despite past feelings, Woodroof is forced to come to terms with his homophobia in order to expand his clientele. Woodroof’s own acceptance is seen in the gradual transition in the way he treats his transgender business partner, Rayon (Jared Leto). At first unable to even tolerate playing cards in the hospital bed with him, Rayon transforms Woodroof’s way of thinking, opening his eyes to the types of people he’s been avoiding all his life.

MCConaughey lost 47 pounds to effectively convey the role of Woodroof exemplifying his dedication to the character. His ability to play more austere roles can be seen in much of his later films as he steers away from romantic comedies. His attention has been focused more towards dramas including Jeff Nichols film, Mud. His commitment paid off winning both Best Actor at the Golden Globes and Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Leto followed suit winning Best Supporting Actor, however, whether or not he was the right man for the job is controversial. This is due to the belief of some transgender individuals who feel as though the role should have been casted by someone who was actually trans. Regardless, his character was loved and sympathized with by viewers and succeeded in helping to shape Woodroof. Deservingly, the film also won Best Makeup and Hair Styling, Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Overall, the movie succeeded in portraying the difficult and uncertain road that surrounded AIDS during the 1980s. The dedication seen from the actors is reflective of the strong influence the film had on viewers. While some of the scenes in the film may be considered raunchy, it helped to expose the vile circumstances that AIDS patients were forced to succumb to.


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