Dallas Buyers Club

Over half way through my Best Picture challenge now, and next up is a movie about strength, determination, and literally fighting for your life. Matthew McConaughey stars in Dallas Buyers Club.

Electrician and part-time cowboy Ron Woodroof (McConaughey) is spending life walking on the wild side; sleeping with women left, right and centre and, when he's got his hands free, dosing himself up on lines of coke and strong liquor. But his invincible outlook is all about to change as he's taken into hospital after an accident at work and found to be HIV positive. Not only does he have aids but he also has only thirty days to live. A staunch homophobe Woodroof must change more than just his lifestyle if he is to beat his countdown and, on finding an unapproved drug in Mexico that could help, he must take his life and the law into his own hands.

When I first heard the plot of Dallas Buyers Club, I was a little worried that it would just be a modern day retelling of Tom Hanks' Philadelphia, but really, DBC focuses on the more complex issue of heterosexual aids cases. At the time in the late eighties, homosexual men were, hideously, considered by many to be getting what they deserved for their "sinful" behaviour, and it must have been completely bewildering that a straight person could also contract the disease, male or female. The audience is led along Woodroof's journey, not only of suffering, but of enlightenment too.

Personally, I think this is McConaughey's career performance to date. He was close with Mud, but starring as Ron Woodroff shows him off in a whole different field of acting. No relying on good looks or that cheeky grin here; he in fact lost three and a half stone to take on this role, and looks so unrecognisable that when I saw a recent cologne ad of his, it took me a while to remember who he was. The real Woodroof's sister was apparently very pleased with the casting, as she felt McConaughey and her brother shared the same personality and swagger. This film has been in the pipeline for years, and if it had come out any earlier, we could have been watching Woody Harrelson, Brad Pitt or even Ryan Gosling in the starring role. To me, McConaughey was the perfect choice. You can't say he's a likeable character at the beginning but my god, at the end you're in complete awe of his fighting spirit.

Jared Leto has always been a name that I've failed to put to a face, but after this performance as transsexual Rayon, it'll be hard to forget him. The "Actor in a Supporting Role" category is probably the most difficult one to call, but it would be absolutely incredible if Leto were to take the crown. He's full of life and vigour, yet simultaneously breaks your heart as he too grows sicker. To be honest, any character that brigs Glam Rock into the storyline has my vote.

The characters of Rayon and Dr Eve Saks (played by Jennifer Garner) were actually both fictitious, and seem to take the place of Woodroof's sister and daughter, who are both absent from the story. I won't give any more away, as for me, not knowing the ending made the film even more gripping. Make sure you get to see Dallas Buyers Club, or you may feel left out come awards night. 

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- 12 Years A Slave

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- The Wolf of Wall Street

- Her

- Nebraska

The Wolf Of Wall Street

So we've worked the cotton plantation, conned the cops, lost our riches and searched for long lost sons. We've even been up in space. But now for something completely different. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill star in Martin Scorcese's The Wolf of Wall Street.

Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) dreams of making it big in the city. But in the highly competitive world of broking, and with a new wife to support, he knows he'll have to go hard or go home. Picking up all the tricks of the trade from his successful and completely nutty boss (Matthew McConaughey), Belfort is flying high... Until Black Monday hits, and he finds himself jobless and back at square one. He decides to go from small to big fish, landing a job in a firm that deals in penny stocks. Using his experience he is soon head of a team who are as money-crazed as he is, and willing to do anything, legal or not, if it means making the big bucks. Money, drugs, women, cars, yachts - he has it all in seconds, but it could all be ripped away just as fast if the Wolf doesn't watch it...

Having said it's unlike any of the other Best Picture nominees, there are a few similarities between TWoWS and American Hustle. There's con men, big heaps of cash, and fashion revivals in all their shoulder-padded glory. But what makes TWoWS stand out? It's hardcore, in-your-face, attacks-all-your-senses kind of big. In the first few moments, you're watching di Caprio doing lines of coke off a prostitute's backside, so you can imagine that by the end of the film, a whole three hours later, nothing else will phase you. Sex, booze, drugs, overdoses, and swearing that will make your ears bleed, all becomes much of a muchness!

Although TWoWS stands up to other films in the American Crime Fiction genre, it is actually based on true events. It's shocking to think Mr Belfort survived his time on Wall Street, let alone come out and write two memoirs about the experience. I don't know much about him, but I'm guessing DiCaprio's portrayal must have been pretty spot on, as he's already received a Critic's Choice award and a Golden Globe for his performance. He's hideously cruel and brutally selfish, but his energy and enthusiasm makes it all acceptable. 

As for baby-faced Jonah Hill, how he's matured from his Superbad/Knocked Up days. He's always portrayed such affectionate characters and almost does so in TWoWS as Belfort's right hand man, Donnie - but then, out of the blue, you get thrown a big chunk of crazy (I'd explain what happens when he's faced with the office goldfish, but let's just say he's learnt a trick or two from Ozzy Osbourne...they don't call it a black comedy for nothing). DiCaprio and Hill make a surprisingly good double-act, and they have such a natural bond - I've read that most of their scenes together were improvised. Margot Robbie was also amazing. I couldn't believe I hadn't seen her in more films before, but in her strong and sexy role as Naomi Lapaglia, I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of her in years to come.

Despite being garish in terms of content, the film itself looks absolutely gorgeous and glossy. It's got Scorcese all over it, with cinematic tricks like effortlessly mixing voice-over and straight-to-camera narrative into the filming. He really is, as I've heard many actors describe him, a director who loves all things film. There were shots that made a staircase look like a mountain - then there was literally a tidal wave. Both were as stunning as the other.

When people have asked me what I thought of The Wolf Of Wall Street, I've hesitated. Yes, it was a great looking film with a brilliantly crafted script, but I have to admit that I felt uncomfortable more often than not, and in this case, not in a way I was happy with (Note to self, don't see an 18 with your father again...). Still, a blockbuster of a movie, very deserving of a Best Picture spot.

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- 12 Years A Slave

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Her

- Nebraska

12 Years A Slave

I have an announcement. My friend and fellow blogger Bella Tubbs has challenged me to see all the films nominated for Best Picture before the Oscars. Nervously, I have accepted to do my best! With 34 days until the big night I've got four down and five to go, and what a list it is. High up in my current ranking was my cinema pick for last night; Steve McQueen's masterpiece, 12 Years A Slave.

Based on the unimaginable true story, the film tells of Solomon Northup, a New Yorker and freeman who lived a very successful and happy life with his wife and two children in the 1840s. That was until 1841, when he made a trip to Washington with two companions who offered him an opportunity to work as a violinist. In fact, his fellow travellers kidnapped and drugged Northup and, like far too many people of the time, sold him into slavery. Without his papers and with no way of contacting his friends and family in New York, Solomon was sent to the south where, struggling daily to survive, he remained for twelve whole years.

Apart from being an active member of the abolitionist movement and publishing a book of the same name in 1853, very little is known of Solomon Northup - even more reason why this film is so important. It paints a hideous picture of a brutal past, which I find hard to believe was a reality only 150 years ago.

Like I said in my review of August : Osage County, here's to the British actors (yes, for the sake of this blog I am claiming Fassbender!), who are the top three billed cast members in this film. How incredible is Chiwetel Ejiotor? From small TV and theatre beginnings to this potentially award winning performance. Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender play landowners who both own Northup at a time. William Ford (Cumberbatch) is caring, understanding, and true to his honour, whereas Edwin Epps (Fassbender) is everything but. I hope both men have their performances recognised, and a little something for the mantelpiece too...

There are many more recognisable faces in the film, including Paul Giamatti, Paul Danone, Sarah Paulson and a certain producer, Mr Brad Pitt. In her Hollywood debut, Lupita Nyong'o plays another of Epps' slaves, Patsy, and trust me, her performance will make your heart bleed. I know I've recently praised Julia Roberts but interestingly, Nyong'o is also up for Best Supporting Actress...

It's gritty and at times hard to watch, and be prepared with your hanky for the end. 12 Years A Slave - a landmark film of 2014.

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- The Wolf Of Wall Street

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Her

- Nebraska