Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto shine in "Dallas Buyers Club"

It took 20 years to finally bring "Dallas Buyers Club" to life and it was well worth the wait.  The behind-the-scenes struggle to produce the movie is a fascinating tale that The LA Times covered HERE.  It's a testament to the perseverance of screenwriter Craig Borten and his excellent script, which is filled with memorable characters brilliantly portrayed by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.

"Dallas Buyers Club" tells the true story of Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), a hard-drinking, womanizing buck who was diagnosed with HIV in 1985.  He was given 30 days to live.  As he traveled the world seeking out unapproved medication, he brought hope to the afflicted, fought the FDA, and lived for 2500 more days.  He partnered with the transgender Rayon (Leto) and the two formed the Dallas Buyers Club - an ad-hoc health clinic dispensing proteins, vitamins, and pills to AIDS patients with no other options.

It's a captivating look at many complex issues.  It examines society's relationship with a new, stigmatized disease.  It also focuses on the American health care system's process of drug trials and approvals.  Fortunately, the story never strays from Woodroof, the working-class crusader whose positive outlook lifts the film whenever the issues get too heavy.  "Ain't nothing out there that can kill Ron Woodroof in 30 days," he tells the doctors as he turns his back and begins his life's mission.

Matthew McConaughey's career rejuvenation has been astonishing - and also very enjoyable.  Add this movie to a darker, subtler performance in this year's wonderful "Mud," and throw in the two great roles from last year ("Bernie" and "Magic Mike") and he's been on a run unlike any contemporary actor.  At first his Woodroof is unpredictable, explosive, cunning and mean.  He slowly learns that his way is no way to live, and certainly not the way he wants to die.  Mr. McConaughey manages to win the audience through humor as he battles an unjust system preventing a dying man from all available remedies.  As he grows, he gives strangers hope and discovers profound friendships.  He's at his most hilarious when he poses as a priest to smuggle medicine across the US-Mexico border.  We feel his pain and triumphs as he utilizes talents he didn't know he possessed.

The true revelation in "Dallas Buyers Club" is Jared Leto - remember him?  He took a six year break from acting to focus on his band (30 Seconds to Mars) and returns here with a tour-de-force portrayal as a transgender AIDS patient.  It's touching work, as he is completely believable in the role of Rayon.  The burden falls on Mr. Leto to win over McConaughey's Woodruff by teasing, insulting and suffering.  Ultimately, he transforms the previously homophobic Woodruff into an empathetic progressive hero.

The movie was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, a Canadian filmmaker whose terrific film "C.R.A.Z.Y." was a cult hit back in 2005.  He pulls off a delicate balance with "Dallas Buyers Club" as it entertains while gently provokes.  Unlike most movies, it addresses death in a direct, adult way.  Sure, people die in movies all the time, but rarely is mortality ever explored at any length.  In this one, the filmmakers force the viewer to consider the implications of what dying means.  By contrasting it with the vibrancy of Woodroof's life and attitudes, it presents a way of coping.  It shows us how to live.

Heavy stuff, indeed.  But as I said, when the pendulum swings too far to one side, there's no actor today like Matthew McConaughey who can crack up the audience with a good ol' Texas metaphor.  In the end, this is Ron Woodroof's movie.  It's great that the man finally gets the recognition he deserves.