Movie review: 'Dallas Buyers Club'

As a college student in the late 1980s, I knew far too little about the AIDS epidemic. I don’t remember exactly when I first realized the gravity of the situation, but it was long after Ron Woodroof’s diagnosis. I feel so ignorant saying that, because even now I think “I should’ve been more aware.” Since those days, I’ve made it a point to read as much as I possibly can about the history of the disease and research into possible new treatments and, hopefully at some point, an actual cure. But until word got out about the filming of the movie Dallas Buyers Club, I’d never heard of the practice, even though these so-called buyer’s clubs did help so many thousands of AIDS patients get the medicines they so desperately needed to survive.

That’s one of the main reasons why I was so excited to finally see the film. That, and from a movie and acting fan’s standpoint, I was keen to find out if Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto really are deserving of all the accolades and awards they’re winning this season. Both are widely considered to win Academy Awards for their performances; McConaughey for his portrayal of tough-talking Texas electrician (and part-time dealer) Ron Woodroof, and Leto as Rayon, Woodroof’s HIV-positive, transgender, drug addicted business associate who helps him get his buyer’s club off the ground.

Before I weigh in with my opinion on the acting performances in Dallas Buyers Club, let me first tell you my overall impression. I just finished watching the movie, and without a doubt I’ll say I was not disappointed. This is not a film without flaws, but it is a brilliant character study of someone who, in my opinion, might not have started out as an activist for the cause – but who now deserves to be called a hero for so many. Woodroof was diagnosed with HIV at a time when other countries were pursuing far more aggressive (and, in my opinion), far less dangerous potential treatments than our U.S. medical community. Couple that with a whole lot of political –ahem—bull dung, and the situation was dire for anyone with HIV and AIDS. Woodroof, in fact, was given just 30 days to live by doctors. He refused to accept that, and his actions in the months following his diagnosis changed his life, and the lives of countless others who were desperate to try any drug that might help to prolong their lives.

Dallas Buyers Club covers these issues, but it does not delve as deeply as I’d hoped it would. Of course, this is a character study more than a history lesson, so I’m certainly willing to let that slide. I can always watch And the Band Played On, one of my favorite films ever, if I want to relive the history of the AIDS epidemic’s early years. But I did want to point out that this was the only real disappointment where the film is concerned.

Now, let’s discuss the acting, because really, it is extraordinary. Matthew McConaughey has done it. This is the role which will, mark my words, win him the Oscar. I couldn’t be happier about that, because he absolutely deserves it. It’s much more than the way McConaughey transformed his body, losing 50 pounds to look the part of Woodroof. No, McConaughey’s every movement, every word, feels authentic. Ron Woodroof was no saint, and he was (at least in the way he’s portrayed on screen) a raging homophobe. When he meets Rayon in the hospital, he’s not at all thrilled to share a room with her. Without getting too deep into the specifics of the Dallas Buyers Club plot, let’s just say his views change. His unlikely business partnership with Rayon becomes an even unlikelier friendship. And as with other excellent character-driven films, we as an audience begin to care very deeply – at least, I did. McConaughey’s Woodroof is a brash anti-hero. This is, without question, one of McConaughey’s greatest performances. I still think he deserved more recognition for his work in Mud, but hey, I’m just glad he’s finally putting his talents to great use.

Now, let’s discuss what I think might be one of the greatest supporting actor performances in a film in a long, long time: Jared Leto as Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club. Leto’s supporting role added a real depth to the film (as it should be). Yes, Leto is virtually unrecognizable in the role, but as with McConaughey’s physical transformation for the movie, that might be what I first noticed – but it wasn’t what stuck with me. No, Rayon gave this move heart and hope. During one scene in particular, when Rayon visits her father, explains that she has HIV and then asks for money, I was so moved I had to pause for a minute and then rewind immediately to watch again. Jared Leto, ladies and gentlemen, deserves the Academy Award I suspect he’ll be getting.

As a whole, Dallas Buyers Club is a good move. The acting performances, however, elevate it to a much higher plane. If you love the acting craft, you must see Leto and McConaughey at their very best. I, for one, will be rooting for both of them on Oscar night.

Photo courtesy of Contact Music and The New York Times