McConaughey and Leto shine in terrific drama

Rating: 8/10 (9 August 2014)

1985; Ron Woodroof (McConaughey) is an electrician and small time hustler from Dallas. His life basically consists of care free sex, rodeo, and hustling. However, Woodroof's life ends up being turned upside down when he is diagnosed as being HIV positive. Following his diagnosis, he is given a drug known as AZT which is a drug that is being trialled at the local hospital. However, when Woodroof discovers that this new drug does more harm than good, he decides to set up the Dallas Buyers Club with fellow patient and AZT Guinea Pig Rayon (Leto). Woodroof and Rayon offer patients an alternative to the harmful AZT drug that is offered at the local hospital - they offer patients unlimited medicine and treatment in exchange for payment of $400 per month which buys the patients membership into the buyers club. Woodroof's activities end up getting him in hot water with the FDA (Food & Drug Administration)due to the fact that Woodroof is selling unlicenced medication to patients. However, Woodroof is undeterred and is prepared to take on the FDA whatever the cost.
This film was excellent; from the moment it's revealed that Woodroof is diagnosed as being HIV positive, he really does get into his character. Woodroof's emotions range from denial, anger, and then acceptance. Once he's at the acceptance stage this is when he decides to set up the Dallas Buyers Club. The build up through all of these stages is gradual and McConaughey once again shows his talent. I really hope he keeps doing these serious dramas as he is far better in these type of roles than he is in some of those crappy rom-coms that he's done in the past. McConaughey's superb acting is coupled with some terrific writing - even though Woodroof is rather objectionable at the start, he actually shows some really good qualities. Although he is profiting from other sufferers what he's doing still has a certain dignity about it as he is affected by the same illness - the very fact that he's helping people and giving them a second choice was so touching. I think what made it even better was his tenacity, no matter what the FDA threw at him he would always try and find another way to overthrow them - he never gave up on his cause and I really respect anyone that shows such determination.
The second thing that was great about this film was Jared Leto - it's no wonder that both McConaughey and Leto won best actor and best supporting actor respectively. I think they both thoroughly deserved these awards. When they were both on screen together they were excellent, but they were both strong on their own as well. Their on screen chemistry is amongst the best I've ever seen and they had me laughing several times. Leto must have had a right laugh playing the role of Rayon - even though it's a serious film, Leto really 'camps it up' in his role as the transvestite Aids sufferer and if anything he probably over does it a bit. Having said that, given his character and material it clearly works better by him over doing it than under doing it so it's not meant as a criticism. I wouldn't be surprised if a few people didn't recognise him as he looks so different to how we're used to seeing him. Like McConaughey, Leto also lost an awful lot of weight in his role and again like McConaughey his acting was superb.
Sometimes, I'll say in my reviews that 'this film is not for everyone' but I honestly think that this is a film that everyone should see. It is somewhat downbeat at times, but then again there are many humorous moments as well (particularly between McConaughey and Leto). This film will particularly appeal to fans of biographical films or films about one person trying to overthrow a large corporation/company. There's not really much more I can say - just make sure you watch Dallas Buyers Club. You won't be disappointed.