Up until a few years ago, Matthew McConaughey was best known for starring in a series of bland, predictable romantic comedies. But thanks to critically acclaimed work in “The Lincoln Lawyer”, “Killer Joe”, “Bernie”, “Mud”, and even last year’s “Magic Mike”, McConaughey is establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s top dramatic actors. And, with the performance of his career in “Dallas Buyers Club”, McConaughey may soon be honored with the title: “Academy Award winner”.
Inspired by a true story, and set in the mid-1980s, McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, a rodeo bull rider and electrician, who spends most of his time drinking, hooking-up with women, taking drugs, and gambling. But after an electrical accident sends him to the hospital, Ron learns that he’s tested positive for HIV, and has AIDS.
At first, the idea that he only has 30 days to live overwhelms him, but Ron is determined to stay alive, even if that means stealing, lying and even smuggling-in the drugs he needs to take from other countries. The research he does tells Woodroof that the AZT the hospital is giving him isn’t helping, but is actually making him and other AIDS patients, even sicker. He heads to Mexico and brings back new, experimental medications (not approved by the FDA) which quickly make him stronger.
Realizing there’s money to be made getting these untested but effective meds to the people who need them Ron teams-up with transvestite Rayon (played by actor/musician Jared Leto), an AZT trial patient who is also dying from the AIDS. To avoid legal problems they begin selling monthly memberships to the “Dallas Buyers Club” and give the drugs away for free. Clubs such as this were popular around the US in the 80’s during the early days of the AIDS epidemic.
McConaughey bares all with this raw performance (and I’m not referring to his scene in the hospital gown with the back open.) He lost 50 pounds to portray this man, dying from AIDS, adding a new definition to the phrase “physically demanding role.” He also holds nothing back in conveying drama and emotion through his character, starting with some tremendously strong scenes in the first act and never letting down.
It’s impossible not to root for Woodruff as he battles to not only keep himself and his “clients” alive, but fight the police, the FDA and anyone else who gets in his way. Jennifer Garner plays Eve, a doctor who also is concerned that what the hospital is doing for AIDS patients may not be working. Garner and McConaughey share some very effective moments. I’m sure this allowed them to forget the last time they worked together, in 2009’s “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”.
Leto is also very good as Rayon, a role that may earn him an Oscar as well. Like McConaughey, Leto doesn’t simply have one “showcase” moment, but a consistent string of moving scenes, both light-hearted and heart-breaking. And director Jean-Marc Vallee (“The Young Victoria”) never strays away from the core of this story – the relationship between Ron and Rayon. And (some inside trivia) Vallee did not use any artificial lighting while shooting the movie, which results in the complete, realistic look of the film.
“Dallas Buyers Club” is rated R for language, adult content, nudity and drug use. At just under two hours, it’s a little longer than it should be. By the end we lose some of the initial energy we had investing in these characters, but do still care about them to the end. There aren’t a lot of surprises in the story. And for those who bring personal memories of this time with them into the theater it will certainly be an emotional experience. Yet, “Dallas Buyers Club” addresses vital issues that still exist in our society today, while presenting an inspirational story with powerful results.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Dallas Buyers Club” gets a B+.