I think it’s probably safe to say that the old Matthew McConaughey – he of the rom-coms and slacker films – is long gone. In recent years, the actor has proven himself to be much more than his previous filmography suggests, what with his stunning turns in 2011’s Bernie and Killer Joe and 2012’s Mud, among other films. In Dallas Buyers Club, he continues along this path of excellence. Though the movie itself is not perfect, he delivers an astounding performance that will surely garner an abundance of awards nominations.
McConaughey stars as “Ron Woodroof,” a washed-up bull rider and professional hustler in 1985 Dallas whose questionable lifestyle leads to an AIDS diagnosis. Abandoned by his friends and unable to acquire government-approved medication, he embarks upon a mission to treat himself by any means possible, and before long, he establishes a “buyers’ club” for illegal medication as a way to save both himself and others like him.
Director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter and screenwriters Craig Borten and Melisa Wallach do a fine job with Woodroof’s true story, crafting a complex character for McConaughey and helping him tell his tale with honesty and clarity. The trouble is that the film they’ve built around him just doesn’t match up. It’s rife with supporting characters and subplots that, despite making the film more accessible to a wider audience, feel superfluous and distracting.
Thankfully, though, McConaughey more than makes up for the movie’s flaws. His portrayal of Woodroof is electric, capturing all of the character’s aggression and sadness while never allowing him to devolve into caricature. Similarly excellent is Jared Leto as “Rayon,” a transvestite and Woodroof’s eventual business partner, who is larger than life without being over the top. Sadly, though, the rest of actors aren’t given much to work with – particularly Jennifer Garner, who is saddled with a thankless role that seems intended to give the audience someone normal to look at.
Dallas Buyers Club may not be the best film, but it allows McConaughey to do truly incredible work. He gives a career-best performance that cements his position as one of the finest actors working today.
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