Dallas Buyers Club is based on the true-life story of Ron Woodroof. Woodroof was a hard-living womanizer who loved the Rodeo. But his world is turned on its head when he is diagnosed with HIV in the mid-1980s. Although he is given thirty days to live, his bold stubborn streak will not let him accept his fate. When treatments are failing him, he turns to trafficking drugs into America that have clear benefits for sufferers.
Treatments of AIDs was very much in its infancy at this time, with tragic effects. Highly aggressive drugs were used which had in many ways the opposite effect for the patient. A number of effective treatments were either outlawed or unexplored, so many people would seek alternatives. Inadvertently the self-medication of sufferers provided a greater understanding of how to treat the disease. The Dallas Buyers Club was set up by Woodroof in an attempt to find a loophole in the laws that would allow him to supply highly beneficial treatments to those in need.
This is a bold and powerful film, put across in a brutally honest way. Yet the whole experience is delivered in a respectful way. Canadian Director Jean-Marc Vallée does an amazing job with the subject. The camera work is edgy, stunningly shot creating an immersive tense feel. But the whole thing has a beautiful blend of humor with the strength of the human spirit shining through.
A real standout is the outstanding performances from the amazing cast. Both Matthew McConaughey (Sing 2) and Jared Leto were awarded Oscars for their performances. They lost huge amounts of weight to be as convincing as possible. However, this is just the visual genius gained, it is the incredible emotional value that they give to their roles that is exceptional. Jennifer Garner gives a strong performance as one of the Doctors who is treating Woodroof that connects perfectly with the excellent script.
All in all, this is one of those films that everyone should see. It has everything that a great film should, touching on some very sensitive subjects whilst romping along at a furious pace. There are plenty of films that receive great acclaim, but Dallas Buyers Club really is a masterpiece of modern cinema. If you are looking for something great to watch on Netflix with some of the best acting ever captured on camera, Dallas Buyers Club is it.
