DALLAS BUYERS CLUB - Review

Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallée

Written by: Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack

Rated Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, nudity and drug use

Release Date: November 3^rd, 2013 (limited release)

Review by: Sean Kayden

What’s there to say about the career reinvention of Matthew McConaughey? Over the past few years, he’s made a bold statement in starring in smaller films like “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Killer Joe,” and this year’s “Mud,” as opposed to the fluff he did for over the past decade. He’s transformed from a romantic comedy movie star to a bona-fide actor’s actor. In his latest venture, “Dallas Buyers Club,” McConaughey stars as Ron Woodruff, an electrician by day, a rodeo riding, drug taking, and woman loving homophobic man by night. Bigoted and selfish, Ron’s life takes a dark turn after he collapses one evening at home. Shocked to hear he’s been diagnosed with HIV and has a mere 30 days left to live, Ron doesn’t come to terms that he actually has the disease.  After a night of binge drinking and drug use, Ron doesn’t feel the same. He starts to look into the causes of HIV and discovers you can contract it from other things aside from homosexuality. His world turns upside. McConaughey, weighing in at 135lbs, gives what should be hailed as not only his finest performance, but also one of the best of the year.

There are no huge moments in “Dallas Buyers Club,” but very small significant ones that truly make it one of the superb films of the year. Woodruff’s willingness to survive and not lose sight of what’s important is quite remarkable and uplifting. Despite not being a considerably decent human being, one who’s really difficult to root for, he somehow makes the transition from lowlife to hero very compelling. His character starts taking the FDA approved AZT, the only legal drug available in the U.S, which brings him to the edge of death. After learning from an unconventional doctor in México that AZT is toxic, Woodruff has a whole new perspective on the world around him. He has a grasp on how the US is not really helping people with the disease in the way they could and should. Alternative remedies illegal in the US have been found to be more beneficial to the illness than anything else the FDA has approved. The FDA and pharmaceutical companies do everything in their power to stop Woodruff. He continues to take them on because he knows they’re just a business and don’t care about the wellness of the people in need of real help.

The film also raises the question, without being preachy, why can’t Americans take non-FDA approved drugs if they’re on the path to imminent death?  Woodruff realizes he could make money by smuggling these non-toxic, anti-viral medications and selling them in the U.S. This leads Woodruff in opening up an unofficial buyers’ club. He is not only helping himself but also the likes of those he would have never imagined to associate himself with. This includes Jared Leto’s portrayal of Rayon, a transvestite, who has the HIV virus. He definitely shines in this tragic and heartbreaking role. Ron and Rayon form this unlikely friendship in which is genuine and sincere. They may be polar opposites, but Ron finds himself caring for Rayon, something he would have never done otherwise in a different scenario. Both best actor and supporting actor nominations are warranted.

While the film could have easily been an utter downer, director Jean-Marc Vallée finds dynamic wit and humor in the grimmest situations.  Jennifer Garner plays a doctor in the film, but her character is a little one-note. She’s fine, but the real stars are McConaughey and Leto. McConaughey gives a fearless performance and Leto’s presentation, while subtle, is intriguing and delicate. “Dallas Buyers Club” hits you hard in some scenes, but it never desperately tries to tug on the strings of one’s heart. However, you will feel something though Woodruff’s plight. It’s refreshingly straightforward with a pair of brave, unconventional performances that place them among the very best of the year. What “Dallas Buyers Club” is sellin’ is worth buyin’.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5