Dallas Buyers Club

Ron Woodroof is a worker and a rodeo fan, but above all, a lover of life who knows how to enjoy it and doesn't deny himself anything. Drugs are easily available, the alcohol flows freely, and the girls who hover around the rodeo riders are usually willing to spend a pleasant moment in a trailer, entertaining their admirers and dispelling boredom. It's the early 80s, the time of the oil shocks, the bitterness of the Vietnam defeat, and civil activism are gone. The era of Reaganomics, yuppies, and newfound confidence has arrived. Nothing is impossible, and the motto of the day is fun. Like a bolt out of the blue, the news of Ron's AIDS diagnosis hits him after an injury. According to the doctors' experience, he has only 30 days left to live. His previous lifestyle and all the values he held dear are suddenly gone. But instead of passively waiting for death, he decides to fight it. Not only with the disease but also with the system that dislikes those who stand out and seek alternative paths. Ron becomes an advocate for unapproved treatment methods and unauthorized drugs. The initial 30 days turn into hundreds and then many years. The approach to AIDS changes, society changes, and the hero of the story changes too. From a southern roughneck and homophobic man, he becomes someone who understands the necessity of tolerance and can navigate among members of sexual minorities. Dallas Buyers Club is a drama based on a powerful story and a controversial, unforgettable main character. I would say that by choosing the unpleasant theme of human suffering and death, an unattractive storytelling style (sentimentality could have been used more prominently or cynical black humor), and above all, the performances of Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto in the main and supporting male roles, Dallas Buyers Club ranks among the most significant films of the season. I have heard it said about American actors that they are willing to undergo practically anything for the sake of a role and reputation, and McConaughey proves that this is true. From a pretty boy who recently charmed in romantic comedies, he has transformed into a walking advertisement for a crematorium, where you could count every rib on his chest on the spot, and whose determined eyes still blaze from his gaunt face marked by stress. This is, without exaggeration, an outstanding acting performance worthy of an Oscar. Overall impression: 90%. (20/02/2014)

How to live with HIV, not giving in to anyone or anything, cursing and going all out until the very end. Matthew McConaughey refuses to cry or laugh superficially and takes it head-on through all obstacles, even when it could be the last day of his life. And today could quite possibly be that last day. A sincere drama that is most lovable precisely because, just like the main character, it remains true to itself the entire time. (20/01/2014)

Dallas Buyers Club is a film whose main pillars are the subject based on a true story and very good performances of both leading actors, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto. Both of them have taken their roles conscientiously and their performances are convincing, so I am not at all surprised that both of them got the Academy Award. I must also commend the work of the make-up artists, who did an excellent job. I was slightly bored at a few moments, but otherwise the plot was very tight and consistent (17/03/2014)

This is actually some proper film-making craftsmanship. Matthew delivers an almost perfect acting performance and Jared Leto has no problems keeping up with him. They both play people infected with the HIV virus. But they don’t merely portray them, they truly experience the characters. Matthew is getting skinny right before our very eyes. And Jared, skinny as he already is, changes the color of his skin in a pretty scary manner. I tip my hat off to them for this. With Jared, I’m really fascinated by how far he is willing to go. Since he is a singer, I don’t think he can afford to change his body weight so radically. I’d really love to know whether this affected his musical career in any way. If nothing else, he proves what an actor he truly is. If I was on the Oscars committee, I would have a clear idea of whom to give the golden statues. Matthew proved in 2013 just what good an actor he is and Jared put on such a show that if I were to see him in another movie, I’d think that he’s crazy. But as I said… a tip of my hat. You will find the story repulsive at first, gradually, you will notice the changes in the way the characters act. And these individual moments will keep on piling up until you get to the ending and you will realize that you won’t get to see such radical a transformation in many movies. (06/02/2014)

A very intense film about people with an expired warranty and how the state treats them. As I have first-hand experience with this subject, it is very close to my heart and the writer and director have handled it really well. I'm pleased to see that Matthew McConaughey, after all the disasters he's been in, is back to proper acting, further exemplified by True Detective. An excellent film with a very depressing atmosphere and no unnecessary melodrama. Exactly what I needed. (14/08/2016)