MORAL OF THE MOVIE

Nature (ie. HIV/AIDS) is indiscriminate, so it doesn’t matter what your sexuality or race is; you can contract the virus all the same. As such, just like nature, we should see each other as equals and seek to treat each other equally as well as help each other when in need. Dallas Buyers Club also poses the matter of corruption: the FDA is portrayed as a corrupt entity bought out by the Pharma industry to favor profits over saving lives. While that is up to debate, there is no argument against the message that these sorts of entities should always prioritize saving lives over profits. Also, we shouldn’t take everything for granted and think critically about what we’re told with well-founded opinions and research.

WHO I THINK WOULD MOST ENJOY THIS MOVIE

Dallas Buyers Club will appeal most to fans of true stories that depict heart, compassion, and perseverance under tragic circumstances. More so, this is a film best fit for moviegoers who have a distinct appreciation for chameleon-like performances that make it feel like you’re watching real life.

ADDITIONAL NOTES/COMMENTARY

In the age of COVID-19, I think there is a particular relevance to watching Dallas Buyers Club right now. The AIDS epidemic stirred the same fear in the public that COVID-19 has nowadays; one key difference being that AIDS was associated with a particular group of people (homosexual men), which led to widespread discrimination. The type of discrimination seen in this day and age isn’t necessarily associated with a particular virus, but the fact that the virus has affected the entire world shows the indiscriminate nature of the virus. Overall, this is emblematic of how we are all equal as humans and susceptible to the same things like deadly viruses. So, we should treat each other as such. Unfortunately, that’s not a thought shared by a lot of people; yet, we are often reminded of our similarities in dire circumstances such as the ones we are currently living in and the ones lived in the times depicted in Dallas Buyers Club. Additionally, there’s the matter of the film’s premise surrounding the supposed corruption of the FDA as it was allegedly influenced by the Pharma industry to promote certain drugs for profit rather than saving lives. Being a strong believer of science and evidence, I don’t necessarily agree with the film’s implications that certain HIV drugs were entirely safe and completely ignored by the FDA in order to promote other drugs. Although the influence of the Pharma industry is well-documented and healthcare is considerably more expensive in the U.S than any other country in the world, it is hard to believe that the FDA would put so many lives at risk for the mere sake of profits. In my opinion, these sorts of portrayals are what lead to the public disbelief of science and medical experts that we are seeing today with COVID-19. Nevertheless, there is an underlying message that I agree with: do not take everything you’re told for granted. In other words, be critical of what you’re told and base your conclusions/opinions on well-founded evidence and data. There is a lot of evidence against the efficacy and safety of a lot of the drugs promoted by Mr. Woodroof, so take the film’s implications about certain drugs with a grain of salt. On the performance side of things, McConaughey and Leto rightfully earned the Oscars for the performances of a lifetime that carried this entire film. The performances and the writing make for a very realistic portrayal of a true story about perseverance and determination in the face of incredible adversity. In short, Dallas Buyers Club is most memorable for its amazing acting and heart-driven story with underlying morals about discrimination and critical thinking.