Review of Dallas Buyers Club (2013) by Joanna B — 05 Jul 2015

In 1986, hell-raising rough and tumble Texan electrician, Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) is brought to the ground with a crashing thud after being diagnosed with AIDS and given a maximum six months to live.

Unwilling to accept the inevitability of his death sentence and dissatisfied with the medical establishments endless red tape, the natural wheeling and dealing Woodroof decides to make a stand against the all-powerful pharmaceutical companies monopoly and their dictatorship on what treatments he can and can't have access too.

Exploring every alternative and often iillegal avenue, Woodroof finds a lifeline in Mexico with an FDA unapproved medication and quickly begins self-medicating.

Forming an unlikely partnership with fellow sufferer Rayon (Jared Leto), Woodroof turns his restorative necessity into a lucrative business. Smuggling large quantities across the border, the duo establishes a unique patient structure in which other sufferers can join a 'club' which gains them access the supplies they need for a nominal monthly fee.

Inspired by real events, Dallas Buyers Club is a heart wrenching story that truly proves necessity is the mother of all invention. Director Jean-Marc Vallée's first foray into artistic liberties drives the well-paced story in the right direction without falling into the trap of false sentimentality.

It is wonderful to see McConaughey's portrayal of Woodroof (who passed in 1992) finally bring the often underrated actor the accolades he genuinely deserves, including a golden globe win and an Oscar nomination; Leto not only matches his intensity pound for pound but also his honors in the supporting category, whilst Jennifer Garner as Dr. Eve Saks adds little to the stories layers.

The verdict: Like many movies released in the first quarter, this film is designed for industry recognition. With that said, it does make a lovely change for once, that a movie is actually worth the hype it receives.

Published : The Queanbeyan Age.

Date of Publication : 24/01/2014.