by Gloria Daniels-Moss
Matthew McConaughey is an actor that until recently really wasn’t anything to write home about. The fact that he was plastered all over the marketing for this one, kind of put me off initially. An actor well known for always getting his shirt off and only ever taking stock character roles in romantic comedies, it seems the majority of us have never held a high opinion of him – until now. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (C.R.A.Z.Y, The Young Victoria), Dallas Buyers Club certainly deserved every bit of attention it received.
Matthew McConaughey is an actor that until recently really wasn’t anything to write home about. The fact that he was plastered all over the marketing for this one, kind of put me off initially. An actor well known for always getting his shirt off and only ever taking stock character roles in romantic comedies, it seems the majority of us have never held a high opinion of him – until now. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (C.R.A.Z.Y, The Young Victoria), Dallas Buyers Club certainly deserved every bit of attention it received.
First off, this is not a light-hearted family film. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It’s 1985 and we are introduced to electrician-come-hustler, homophobe and racist, Ron Woodroof (McConaughey). Let’s just say Ron likes to live fast – drugs, alcohol, smoking, casual sex, you name it - until he has to turn his life around in order to save it. After being told he has tested positive for HIV and his time is limited, the film observes him through every possible emotion and solution before he reaches the conclusion that something must be done to help those who have AIDS.
Not only does this film have a great storyline, the fact that most of the people behind it aren’t that well known, only enhances its likeability. Of course, we have stars such as McConaughey, 30 Seconds to Mars’ Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner pulling crowds in, but when one looks closely, even the director hasn’t got a massive filmography. But, boy, should he be proud of putting Dallas to it. Considering the film's controversial subject matter, everyone should be made to watch this film at least once. The majority of the population will probably have the same ignorant opinion as Ron had at first, that HIV is a disease only contracted by “faggots”, when this is simply not the case. The hardships endured by those who get diagnosed, along with the harsh reality when it comes to the lack of drugs available for the average Joe, are heart-wrenching.
Not only does this film have a great storyline, the fact that most of the people behind it aren’t that well known, only enhances its likeability. Of course, we have stars such as McConaughey, 30 Seconds to Mars’ Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner pulling crowds in, but when one looks closely, even the director hasn’t got a massive filmography. But, boy, should he be proud of putting Dallas to it. Considering the film's controversial subject matter, everyone should be made to watch this film at least once. The majority of the population will probably have the same ignorant opinion as Ron had at first, that HIV is a disease only contracted by “faggots”, when this is simply not the case. The hardships endured by those who get diagnosed, along with the harsh reality when it comes to the lack of drugs available for the average Joe, are heart-wrenching.
Leading this narrative alongside McConaughey is Leto playing cross-dressing, self-destructive Rayon, in some rather spectacular dresses and heels. These two actors are truly unstoppable onscreen, constantly bouncing off each other for whom is giving the best performance at the time. The weight both men lost for their roles certainly gives Christian Bale a run for his money and gives us an even truer representation of what could happen under these circumstances. Although not on our screens as much as she used to be, Jennifer Garner gives a solid performance when it comes to her determined Dr. Eve. One could simply rant all day about how outstanding the performances are here, albeit the films script definitely deserves some of the credit. Co-written by Craig Borton and Melisa Wallack, this is a well-crafted and thoroughly researched take on such a sad situation these people find themselves in. However, the amount of hope and courage presented is extraordinary.
Two shining performances on top of an already phenomenal script, Dallas Buyers Club is a must see. Yes, you will cry. Yes, you will laugh. And, of course, this may anger you – but this is something quite unique that I’m sure will be remembered in years to come. Pick this one up and press play!
Who’d have thought McConaughey had that up his sleeve?
Two shining performances on top of an already phenomenal script, Dallas Buyers Club is a must see. Yes, you will cry. Yes, you will laugh. And, of course, this may anger you – but this is something quite unique that I’m sure will be remembered in years to come. Pick this one up and press play!
Who’d have thought McConaughey had that up his sleeve?
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