Film Review - Dallas Buyers Club

The Positive People

 

Film: Dallas Buyers Club

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner 

Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallée

Duration: 1 hr 55 mins

Rating: *  *  *  *  

Based on a true story of the 80’s, Dallas Buyers Club directed by the Canadian Frenchman Jean-Marc Vallée is a superior film that relies on the story telling, acting and gives ample food for thought. It is powered by two remarkable performances Matthew, McConaughey in the lead role and Jared Leto as his friend who happens to be a transgender, both are widely tipped to win the Oscar for their feat.

There are films that get you hooked right from the start and then there are those like Dallas Buyers Club that start off slowly off the blocks and then sink you in deeper and deeper as it progresses. By the end, you are deeply submerged in it. Set in Dallas Texas during the Reagan years, McConaughey (he lost 21 kilos for this role) plays Ron Woodroof, an electrician who is also a hustler of sorts and a rodeo enthusiast. Not surprisingly, coming from that part of that world and during that era, he is also a homophobic.

During a visit to a hospital the doctors discover that he has AIDS with barely a month to live.  Initially, he has the I-don’t-give a damn attitude but soon the reality dawns on him. Ostracized by his friends,he has to move home but doesn’t give up the fight easily. While the hospital tries to treat him with the AZT drug, which was still in experimental phases then under the close watch of the FDA which in turn was manipulated by the pharma giants. The doctor (Jennifer Garner) is sympathetic but Ron makes a trip to Mexico where he finds a more effective solution which is not approved in the U.S. "Screw the FDA, I'll be DOA!" he yells at them.

Ron smuggles the medicines and with the help of his new partner (business partner as he clarifies) Rayon, played by Jared Leto, who is a cross dresser with contacts, the Dallas buyers club is formed. HIV positive people come to his doorstep to buy the medicines. That brings him on loggerheads with the authorities and the latter half of the film delves on his fight for the rights of patients to take whatever drugs they may deem fit.

While there is a humanitarian angle to his efforts, he is also a capitalist at the core. Moreover he is also one who is prepared to take a chance with an open mind, perhaps because the situation forces him to. From being a homophobic, his attitude changes considerably over a period of time. Considering that even today gays are treated with contempt, Ron took a huge step forward and if the film can make even the slightest change (although one sincerely doubts) it will be a big bonus.

Jennifer Garner as the doctor with whom Ron even shares a platonic romance fits the bill. Jared Leto as a feisty transvestite gets it spot in and lends wonderful support to the lead actor. This is Matthew McConaughey’s best performance and his transformation reminds of Christian Bale, in The Machinist as well as The Fighter.

When you walk out of the theatre after watching the film, you are left with so much to admire and ponder about.

Published in The Navhind Times on 2nd Mar 2014  
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