Dallas Buyers Club is the harrowing account of a down-and-out rodeo cowboy’s struggle to come to terms with his HIV diagnosis in the 80s. Sounds bleak, doesn't it? It is unrelenting – but it’s the sort of film that’s deeply affecting and improbably life-affirming. Plus, the acting performances are utterly believable.
First up, Matthew McConaughey is practically unrecognisable as painfully thin, moustachioed, substance abuser Ron Woodroof. His character transformation during the film is remarkable too – from a despicable, homophobic no-hoper into an inspiring, generous, crusader who does much to help sufferers at the height of the 80s AIDs crisis.
Jared Leto is also brilliant as the drug-addicted transsexual Rayon, with whom Ron enters into both business and friendship.
Go and watch Dallas Buyers Club: it’s an extraordinary film.
In cinemas 7 February 2014.

Matthew McConaughey: ELLE Man of the Week

Jared Leto: ELLE Man of the Week