Through some down the rabbit hole style Google adventure you've arrived at a blog my significant other coerced me to start writing, sorry to hear that.
If you're still with me then make yourself comfy and I'll try make this modest, avoid being pretentious and if I may attempt it, some humor.
Review Numero Uno!
Dallas Buyers Club brings us into the tragic real life story of AIDS victim Ron Woodruff (portrayed by Matthew McConaughey in his most human role to date.) Set in Dallas during the mid 1980's at the height of the AIDS and HIV scare. Right from the get go we're introduced to Ron and the self destructive and hedonistic lifestyle he indulges himself in, from swindling punters at the rodeo and doing all the sex, drugs sans rock and roll available to him he languishes with his white collar co-workers trying to make ends meet. As a surprise to nobody he's also revealed to be homophobic, all the more ironic when he finds himself diagnosed with HIV and shunned by his like-minded friends.
In the hospital we find our two other main roles, Ron meets Eve Saks (Jennifer Garner) a doctor who tells him about the experimental new drug called AZT that won't cure him but could prolong his life, however AZT is only in clinical trials. In a state of panic Ron coerces a janitor to hook him up with the drug and finds his condition worsening due to the cocaine he's also taking, don't do drugs kids.
Here we meet the films scene stealing drama queen Rayon (portrayed by 30 Seconds To Mars front-man Jared Leto who doesn't so much act but embodies the character) Rayon is a headstrong HIV positive transgender woman who attempts to befriend Ron much to his dismay, a well written interaction between the two takes place when the two play cards and converse about what they can really bond with, their disease and money. This marks the beginning of Ron's development and learning to accept that he has to play the hand he's dealt, the macabre Bonnie and Clyde quickly establish the titles Dallas Buyers Club through hard work, ingenuity and some drug smuggling over the border.
The film uniquely captures the individual characters struggles and as Ron frequently blacks out we go with him, both unaware as to what transpires as the screen cuts to black after a high pitched squealing. As well as the obvious message of raising awareness about HIV there is also two other sub messages that ring clear, the pharmaceutical companies and the FDA are presented to be uncaring towards the plight of our leads, there is a firm undertone of money being in the medicine and not the cure.
Maybe it is just me but I felt the film was also trying to convey a message of acceptance, we see his original friends initially back away from him in fear like he's toxic and essentially drive him away from his home, and Ron slowly progressing into a better man and finds a family in the very people he persecuted.
My only gripe with the film happens to be Jennifer Garners doctor character, not to take anything away from Jennifer Garner but it seems more could have been done with her, yes her character progresses and acts as the yin to the FDA's yang within the medical parts but she falls ultimately short of McConaughey and Leto's performances.
All in all this a film that's message carries weight, you'd be hard pressed not to walk away from this and forget it within the hour, it's a movie that ultimately teaches you (and yes it's a cliche, sue me) that you really start living at the moment you realise you're clock is ticking.
A solid 5 out of 5 and if you have the time I'd recommend giving the Elton John AIDS Foundation a look and maybe a few pennies you've got going spare.
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