Review #16: Dallas Buyers Club

Dallas Buyers Club

Release Date: November 22, 2013
Writer: Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee

Logline: In 1985 Dallas, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is himself diagnosed with the disease. (Source IMDb)
Drama. 117 min.
Bechdel Test: Passed all three tests.

Review

As a huge fan of Jared Leto's perfect hair as well as a big time supporter of the McConaissance, I was destined to love this movie.

The performances really made the film.  Both McConaughey and Leto disappeared into their characters, becoming vivid depictions of a homophobic redneck and a transgender drug addict - both struggling with AIDS.  Someone recently asked me how you can tell if someone is a good actor, I answered that it's when you forget who the actor is and just believe that they are their character. Both Leto and McConaughey achieved that in this film.

It's always inspiring to see someone beat the odds and that's exactly what McConaughey's Woodroof does.  When he is given 30 days to live, he dimply* determines to prove everyone wrong.  Through his journey of fighting to survive, we see him transform into a completely different person.  The man who had zero tolerance for anyone different from himself must now ask those same people for help and support.  He is forced to face the worst parts of himself and he becomes a better person for it. (Simply. Editors note: this type is too descriptive of McConaughey to change. He is dimply amazing.)

The most significant way we see this change is through Woodroof's friendship with Rayon.  At first he is disgusted with Rayon and her lifestyle; as the movie progresses that disgust turns into an appreciation and respect.

This film is a triumphant depiction of how someone can use their adversity to make change in an unfair world.  It succeeds in honouring Woodroof's legacy and takes a necessary look into the heartbreaking effects the AIDS epidemic had.  The combination of an important story and wonderful acting made this one of my favourite films of last year.

Portrayal of Women: There has been some arguments over whether this film passes the Bechdel test. If we judged based on actors than it would not - because it's based on characters, it does.  Rayon may be played by Jared Leto but her character identifies as a woman so that is how we identify her as well.

The other woman in the film is Jennifer Garner who plays Dr. Eve.  Although Woodroof is the driving force in setting up the Buyer's Club, Rayon and Dr. Eve are his main supports. The women in this film play a huge role in helping him to succeed, they are smart and very valuable to execution of the story.

Sisterhood Moment: Okay. Let's just talk about Rayon's makeup for one second. That contour was insane. Makeup Addicts forevs. Here's an article about how all the makeup was done for $250. I can't even do my own face for that.

Rating: 4 white cowboy hats out of 5

IMDb - Dallas Buyers Club (8.0)
Wikipedia - Dallas Buyers Club
Rotten Tomatoes - Dallas Buyers Club (94%)