Character commitment abounds in Dallas Buyer’s Club

A threesome beneath the stands of a rodeo.

This is how Dallas Buyer’s Club starts, immediately characterizing the coked up, womanizing jerk who is Ron Woodroof, played by Matthew McConaughey.

The movie goes on to tell the true story of how Ron Woodroof’s life completely changes after he is diagnosed with HIV and AIDS in 1985. Unable to obtain the experimental drug that might extend his life, Woodroof takes matters into his own hands, smuggling non-approved medications into the U.S. from Mexico, not only to treat his own AIDS symptoms but also to provide help to other AIDS sufferers.

Apart from the incredible narrative, the film stands out because of the powerful performances given by its actors, particularly McConaughey and singer/actor Jared Leto.

In this film, McConaughey showcases his acting abilities and his commitment to his work by physically transforming himself from the muscular, romantic comedy heartthrob we’ve all grown to expect him to portray, to a skeletal, unattractive homophobe. McConaughey isn’t afraid to get ugly with this role, not only in terms of appearance (as he is completely unrecognizable) but also in terms of personality. His character is ignorant, stubborn and destructive. However, McConaughey’s raw emotional performance allows audiences to see past this harsh exterior to a man who is lonely, scared and simply trying to stay alive. McConaughey’s performance in this film proves that he’s truly a talented actor capable of playing more than just a romantic lead.

McConaughey isn’t alone in his powerful performance. Jared Leto shines as Rayon, a gay transvestite who also suffers from AIDS and quickly becomes friends with Woodroof. Leto embodies his character completely, adopting a girlish southern accent and mimicking the mannerisms of a woman. Although Leto’s character doesn’t have as much screen time as McConaughey’s, Leto’s performance is especially memorable, bringing much needed moments of humor to the film through his and McConaughey’s strong friendship, as well as depth to his character. As he has with his previous films, such as Requiem for a Dream, in which he portrays a heroin addict, Leto delivers a heart-wrenching performance, breathing emotion into every one of his lines.

The commitment and raw emotional honesty of these actors makes the narrative even more poignant. In the film, McConaughey and Leto struggle to provide affordable treatment to AIDS sufferers through their buyer’s club without being shut down by a relentless FDA agent. McConaughey accurately captures Woodroof’s selfless determination in this endeavor, despite the number of people against him, including former friends who avoid him after finding out he has AIDS. In fact, the way McConaughey and Leto are treated in the film by some of the other characters gives audiences insight into the degrading way AIDS sufferers used to be treated. In doing so, the film calls our attention to the cruelty and inhumanity of any kind of discrimination.

Although effective in its emotional intensity, the film was at times a bit heavy-handed when trying to relay a point. The blatant referencing of Rock Hudson’s HIV positive diagnosis in the beginning of the film seemed like a forced and obvious attempt at foreshadowing and wasn’t necessary to establish Woodroof’s homophobia.

There were also scenes that could have been made to feel more complete. One of Leto’s final scenes in the film, for example, could have been better dramatized but instead is cut short, diminishing the emotional impact of the scene. The final scene of the film also ends abruptly. Instead of leading to more action, as the beginning of the scene suggests will happen, the scene merely stops. Although the narrative itself wraps up nicely, the final scene feels as though it were unnecessarily added simply so that the filmmakers could end on a specific image.

Overall, the film is successful in portraying the brave and selfless actions taken by Ron Woodroof and Rayon and capturing the highs and lows of their struggle. As soon as the film starts, the audience is hooked. From that initial scene onward, passionate acting and amazing narrative hold the audience’s attention. At the end of the film, viewers are left with a sense of determination, hope and love for Ron Woodroof, a true hero that many people never even knew existed.