Pair take on roles of their lives in this heartfelt film, writes Mark Orton.
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner, David O'Hare, Michael O'Neill
Rating: (R16)
5 stars (out of 5)
The most remarkable thing about Matthew McConaughey's performance in Dallas Buyers Club (apart from his startling emaciation) is just how far his craft has developed.
McConaughey's self-possessed swagger and quirky Texas persona shine.
Based on personal journals and interviews given by Aids sufferer Ron Woodroof before he passed away in 1992, Dallas Buyers Club is an amusing, heartfelt and shocking time-capsule of the formative days of pharmaceutical research into treatment for HIV/Aids.
Given just 30 days to live when diagnosed in 1985, Woodroof at first refuses to accept his diagnosis but via flashback recalls an incident years before that could have been responsible.
Banished by his friends and struggling to cope with his deteriorating health, Woodroof's tetchy conduct and overtly homophobic demeanour form the basis for the film's success, plus the curious relationship between McConaughey's 10-gallon-hat-wearing bigot and Jared Leto's stunning turn as Rayon, a transgender woman.
Shot fast and loose by a director full of confidence in his craft and a cast absolutely on fire, Dallas Buyers Club is yet another excellent film queuing up for Oscar glory.
Best thing: The pairing of McConaughey and Leto in the roles of their lives.
Worst thing: Not having enough room for a little more investigation into the games being played by the FDA and pharmaceutical companies in regulating new medicine.
See it with: Anyone who can only remember Matthew McConaughey from The Wedding Planner or How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
