Sometimes it takes a hustler to change the world|Nov. 17, 2013|United States|117 Min.|TV-MA
Genre: Drama;History
Description: In July 1985, Ron Woodroof, a Dallas electrician and rodeo cowboy known for his promiscuous lifestyle, is diagnosed with AIDS and given just 30 days to live. Initially, he refuses to accept the diagnosis, as he identifies as heterosexual. However, he recalls having unprotected sex with a woman who was an intravenous drug user years earlier. Quickly, he becomes ostracized by his family and friends, who wrongly assume he contracted the virus through homosexual relations. He loses his job and is eventually evicted from his home.
At the hospital, Dr. Eve Saks informs him about a clinical trial for zidovudine (AZT), an antiretroviral drug believed to prolong the lives of AIDS patients. AZT is the only drug approved by the FDA for human testing, but patients in the trial are randomly given either the drug or a placebo. Desperate, Woodroof bribes a hospital worker to obtain AZT.
However, his health worsens after taking the drug, exacerbated by his cocaine use. During another hospital visit, he meets Rayon, an HIV-positive transgender woman struggling with drug addiction. Woodroof is initially hostile toward her but eventually changes his perspective.
As his condition deteriorates, Woodroof travels to a makeshift hospital in Mexico, run by Dr. Vass, whose medical license was revoked due to his controversial AIDS treatments. Dr. Vass warns Woodroof that AZT is toxic and harmful to cells. Instead, he prescribes a combination of unapproved drugs and supplements, including ddC and peptide T.
Three months later, Woodroof’s health improves significantly. Realizing the potential to make money, he begins importing these drugs into the U.S. and selling them to other HIV-positive patients. To avoid legal issues, he disguises himself as a priest and claims the drugs are for personal use.
This story highlights Woodroof’s transformation and his efforts to help others while navigating the challenges of the AIDS epidemic.
Cast director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Cast actor: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner, Steve Zahn, Denis O’Hare, Dallas Roberts, Michael O’Neill, Kevin Rankin, Griffin Dunne, J.D. Evermore
Original name: Dallas Buyers Club