FILM | Dallas Buyers Club

I went to see this last night with my uni friends, and we took up the whole row.. felt like we were on a school field trip! Usually when I go to the cinema with so many of us, we end up just messing around and not really watching the film at all, but this had me gripped. It would have been utterly disrespectful to even consider having a mini conversation at any point. It moved and shocked all of us, and the acting was undoubtedly award worthy.

Matthew Mcconaughey plays a drug and sex addicted, gambling rode, Ronald Woodruff, who is diagnosed with HIV. This true story is an iconic tale that I hadn't known about before seeing this film, which I think is a shame. Ron Woodruff was a sleazy troublemaker who had no real purpose to his life, and remarkably, the diagnosis gave him purpose. In the 80's, there was human drug trials for HIV/AIDS treatment, and only a handful of people were given access to the drug. Ron Woodruff wanted it. He only had 30 days to live, and he wasn't ready to die, so was willing to do anything to survive. 

Around the world, there is a huge stigma against people who contract this disease, because it is often related to homosexual activity and promiscuity. Many people lose their family and friends when they are diagnosed because of the social issues involved with it. Ron himself is homophobic, but through his friendship with a transexual, Rayon/Raymond (Jarod Leto) he comes to accept everyone, making him a kinder and more open person. 

Through many twists and turns, he began smuggling pharmaceutical drugs into Texas and selling them to others also suffering from the disease. Instead of selling each drug separately, people had to buy their membership to the Dallas Buyers Club. This was, of course, illegal. He struggles and fights against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help those whom he previously would have ostracised. His journey is incredible.

For me, there is nothing better than a film with good acting (as you may have guessed from my other reviews). Mcconaughey's dramatic change in appearance is desperately apparent. By running for at least three hours a day to lose weight, it is painful to watch as he becomes screamingly thin. But it was all part of getting into the skin of his character, Ron Woodruff. Jared Leto's performance is also astonishing, after being used to seeing him as lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, to cross dressing as a transexual. In an interview Leto admits he stayed in role of Rayon the whole way through filming as he loved her character so much. Both Mcconaughey and Leto deserve their Oscar nominations. 

Jennifer Garner plays Dr Eve Saks, who goes against her responsibilities as a doctor to help Woodruff, and their chemistry on screen is fascinating. There are moments where a voice inside your head screams at them to kiss, and I'll leave you to find that out for yourself. Admittedly, I'm not Garner's biggest fan, because in many films she seems insincere, but her performance was also brilliant. As a viewer, you have total respect for Dr Saks, as her kindness and selflessness are rare attributes.

This isn't a film for those in search of an exciting thrill ride. It is long. There are moments when "not much happens". But if you're looking for an emotive, powerful, real portrayal of this epic story, then this is the film for you.

It envelopes you and convinces you into believing the journey in which they take. Although it is not your typical "happy ending", I left the screening feeling strangely uplifted with a sense of contentedness.

It points to many important social issues that we have in our society today, such as homophobia, and the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS. Definitely a must see, it will be a classic for decades.

Have you seen this film? What did you think of it?

Amy xi