Dallas Buyers Club (Oscar list, 2/9)

What makes a movie “best picture” material?
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. A best picture is not perhaps one single characteristic, but rather a culmination of many things. A best picture nominee should for example have a captivating story that is unique, special, complex or simple in its own way. It also should (as history shows) feature a famous cast, or a cast that is yet to be “discovered”. The cast should have the emotional capacity to draw the viewer in and transport them to another place, where they could obtain an understanding of what the characters are experiencing or feeling. This experience of guided-discovery for the viewer should be narrated through the use of sound and song, which helps convey the overall message of the film.

With all that being said, how does Dallas Buyers Club stack up?

Basic Plot
In brief, Ron Woodroof is an electrician/cowboy who uses many drugs and engages in a lot of sex. After being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1985, he is given 30 days to live. In search of a cure, Ron heads to other countries in search of drugs not yet approved by the FDA. After discovering that some of them worked and prolonged his life, Ron begins importing the illegal drugs and selling them to other AIDS victims through his “Buyers Club”.

Story
Dallas Buyers Club fits into the ever so popular category this year of “based on a true story”, which includes 5 of the 9 nominees (Captain Phillips, The Wolf of Wall Street, Dallas Buyers Club, American Hustle and Philomena). As with any “true story”, one must always wonder what is fact and what is fiction. A little cursory reading into the story of Dallas Buyers Club reveals that while Ron Woodroof was (not surprisingly) a real person, the other two main characters are not (Woodroof’s transgendered business partner, Rayon, and the empathetic Dr. Eve Saks). Further still, while the film paints a picture of Woodroof showing extreme hostility toward homosexuals, a number of articles really challenge this aspect of the film. One of the greatest pieces of evidence to refute this aspect of the film is the knowledge that the (producer? director?) of the film did not consult with Woodroof’s daughter or sister for accurate character development before creating the film. With these questions of doubt lingering in the air, it will be of comfort to you to learn that for the most part, the film should be fairly accurate. Ron Woodroof himself was interviewed for the explicit purpose of making a movie about his life story one month before he died in 1992. The screenwriter and interviewer–Craig Borten–was so enamored with the story that he wrote not one, two, or three versions of the script, but ten. He then proceeded to shop the script around until it was ultimately picked up…in 2008…sixteen years later.

Cast
While Ron’s daughter and sister were not consulted in the screenwriting process, they were very vocal about finding the right cast for the film.
Ryan Gosling was considered for the role, but it was felt (by the daughter and sister) that he did not exemplify the life of their father and brother. Matthew McConaughey was ultimately given the role, which he fully absorbed losing (reportedly) 30-40lbs for the role. McConaughey did a very, very good job with this film and I would not be surprised if he won an Oscar for his performance.

Emotion
Dallas Buyers Club, perhaps better than any movie that comes to mind, exemplifies the art of character development. We truly see Ron move through his denial, acceptance and willingness to help others (while making money). We see him move from the invincible man, to someone who genuinely cares for others. We witness his calming as he begins to look beyond himself. Dallas Buyers Club was emotional in its own way, as we remember the not-too-distant past.

Original Sound Track
There generally speaking are two types of sound tracks; those that are memorable and catchy, (American Hustle) and those that are subtle yet powerful. It is not a bad thing that I do not remember the soundtrack, because that is what adds to the dramatic nature of the film. Going all Django Unchained with the music would remove from what the story required.

Conclusion
While Ron Woodroof did eventually pass away, it was seven years later than even the most optimistic doctor prescribed. His will to go on in is contagious, and every once in a while, we all need a reminder of the fragility of life. Love and be loved.

Fun Fact! Watch for the scene when Ron moves into his new office. There is a poster of what appears to be a Lamborghini Aventador on the wall, which….totally existed in 1985…