Heroes born with superpowers are usually from other
planets. Their actions are larger than life. They fight baddies in a very
enthralling manner. They endorse macho-ism particularly in looks. But they are
unreal, illusory and fictional. In reality, heroes rise and shine when & where
least expected. And that makes reality always stranger than fiction.
Jean-Marc Vallée’s Oscar nominated
biopic DALLAS BUYERS CLUB documents the arousing story of one such real-life
hero Ron Woodroof in 80’s. An electrician by
profession and a part-time rodeo cowboy by preference Ron [Superlative performance
by Matthew McConaughey] loves & lives to get high on paid sex and sniffing
drugs of all kinds. One such regular day, he collapses and wakes up on the
hospital bed with a shocking affirmation of having AIDS and 30 more days to be
in this world!
After much denial of the self-aggrandizer
macho man inside, Ron decides to go with AZT- the only drug approved by FDA [Food
& Drug Administration] and that too for testing purpose only with no proven
positive results. Fortuitously, Ron encounters an illegal doctor who prescribes
him a mix of protein capsule with drugs that are banned in America. With an
improved health and a homosexual partner Rayon [Jared Leto in a terrific
supportive role]; Ron forms a Club in Dallas city to help people like him who
are misguidedly forced to take legalized AZT that only helps the moneymakers in
the business. Combating with system one-on-one for the people infected and
destined to die and also with AIDS, makes Ron a hero of his times. He dies 7
years after the first time doctors gave him a period of 30 days to live. Now,
this is what the story of survival should be.
DALLAS BUYERS CLUB finds a good shoulder to
rest-grow & rise in Matthew McConaughey. He
loses his physical weight to fit the bill but never in what he means to project
and portray. He’s confident, convinced and a 100% contributor as Ron. As if
transforming his appearance dynamically wasn’t enough, he comes with an influential,
inspiring and one of the most imperative performances this year. First his
denial of the fact, then hard-to-stand acceptance and later in his fight
against system, he’s there and how. Absolutely committed act! In others, Jared
Leto supports well as Rayon- an HIV-positive transgender having golden but
crushed heart seeking out love, acceptance and respect as a human. Watch out
for the part where he returns back to his father asking some financial help for
the club. One of the best performances in the kind and an applause-worthy!
Film scores big on one more front;
the sensibility and the intensity of the subject. The screenplay doesn’t lose
its grip on both. Ron himself was once misinformed and cynical about AIDS targeting
only to homosexuals but later befriends with one of them and starts handing out
pills for free. Neatly edited, intensely shot and exceptionally acted, this
survival drama with social importance is worth spending your time on. Book your
tickets now…or if an ‘Oscar winner’ tag would encourage you more, wait for the announcements;
it is a sure-shot winner all the way! [4/5]
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