Dallas Buyers Club-2013

Director Jean-Marc Vallee

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto

Scott’s Review #54

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: A-

While Dallas Buyers Club (2013) is a well-written screenplay, based on the true story of a straight Texas man who contracted AIDS circa 1985, the main appeal of the film is the brilliant performances by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.

1985 was a different period as far as the deadly virus goes- people did not know then what they do now, so the fear and the judgments featured in the film must be kept in mind for the time it was and the location (Bible-belt Texas).

McConaughey’s physical transformation is an amazing feat, to begin with, a normally handsome, well-built actor, turned gaunt and hollow-eyed, but he completely encompasses this role with an intense, character, rich and flawed.

His body language and mannerisms are mesmerizing.

Leto’s performance as a transsexual, also stricken with the disease, is equally amazing. The character is immediately sympathetic and vulnerable- a wounded bird you would like to take under your wing and save.

Despite the subject, the film itself is not a downer, nor does it attempt to be preachy. Rather, it is a tale of friendship, human growth, and survival in bleak times.

The film is dark, yet inspirational at the same time.

McConaughey and Leto deserve their Oscar wins for these roles.

Oscar Nominations: 3 wins-Best Picture, Best Actor-Matthew McConaughey (won), Best Supporting Actor-Jared Leto (won), Best Original Screenplay, Best Makeup and Hairstyling (won), Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 2 wins-Best Male Lead-Matthew McConaughey (won), Best Supporting Male-Jared Leto (won)