McConaughey Bucks F.D.A in "The Dallas Buyers Club:

Perhaps his best role to date, Matthew McConaughey gives a flawless performance based on the real life story of Ron Woodruff. The opening scene, displays his grabbing the gusto, lifestylewhich is shot more tastefully than words could briefly give justice to. It would sound too cheap in writing.Enjoying the life of a rodeo cowboy of sorts, this rough and tumble man’s exuberance comes to a screeching halt. Juxtaposed news photos of an emaciated Rock Hudson, Hollywood and the world’s poster child for AIDS; foreshadow the death sentence Ron is immediately bridled. Looking as skeletal as Rock Hudson, he discovershe not only has full-blown AIDS, but that his T-Cell count is so low, he should not even be alive. It’s amazing how much weight an actor can lose and still have the strength to perform,especially in intense physical scenes. Ron’s doctor tells him he has 30 days to live, but his only hope is the newly untested drug A.Z.T., which is in such demand that the “wait list” to obtain it exceeds his life sentence.

Insisting he’s “no homo”, is not hard to believe. Most gay men couldn’t stand his white-trash, trailer-trash lifestyle. But he is likeable and as everyone, deservesthe right to find the right treatment, especially for new and dreaded disease. Ron also encounters first hand, ironically since he’s homophobic, he’s stricken withthe underbelly of what many gays have had to experience.  He is soon quarantined from friends, work and his mobile home.Deeply true to his Texan long-star roots he finds out just how alone, he can be.

This is a more contemporary but truly American story; the proudly heralded, American brand of rugged individualism.An electrician by trade he wires together an intricate network of internationally used drugs (not approved by the F.D.A.), vitamins, protein, etc…He doesn’t have to work hard to lasso customers, literally dying for his cocktail.There several other complicationsin breaking him into an enterprising businessman.

Griffin Dunne, a bristly medical professional in Mexico gives a delightful cameo as an aged hippy as this takes place in the 80’s.

Jared Leto flows well as a transsexual also plagued with the disease, and later Ron’s business partner. Their platonic friendship and mutual respect is an interesting exchange. Leto the strong supporting actor discussed his role between a gig his rock band was playing in L.A.; looking beautifully masculine, sporting a full beard and long hair. This is a new face to watch, whose star is rising. Letoexplained that he didn’t want his character, Rayon, to fall into a stero-typical role but to be sure she was three-dimensional. His emotionally subdued scene with his father is quietly heartfelt.Jennifer Garner plays well as their compassionate doctor.

The story builds as Ron’s body regains some strength which is need for his biggest competition with the Food and Drug Administration. Much could have been cliché. But it is a fully captivating flesh and blood flick. After summer sci-fi season, it is refreshing to see movies shot in a classical style without heavy effects upstaging the story. Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallee made quite a stretch from his former, “The Young Victoria”, wanting to get away from a period love story. He shows his talent for exposing the human condition in its frailties, strength and dignity. Its entertaining style, acting, enlightenment and reminder into that slice of recent history, make it very much worth seeing.