Top 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2013: #60. Jean-Marc Vallée’s The Dallas Buyer’s Club

The Dallas Buyer’s Club

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Writer(s): Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack
Producer(s): Robbie Brenner and Rachel Rothman
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner, Steve Zahn, Catherine Kim Poon, Dallas Roberts, Denis O’Hare, Griffin Dunne

Jean-Marc Vallée had to field many requests after the success of C.R.A.Z.Y. – it is with this film were he demonstrated his incredible skill-set and ear for a soundtrack that can supplement performances. It landed him in Europe, where he first worked for Scorsese on The Young Victoria, and then brought him to France and back home for Café de Flore, and finally, with The Dallas Buyer’s Club, he has landed his first U.S production gig. Aesthetically-speaking, Vallée definitely has the touch, and if this true life drama allows for it, it may just enhance the most attention getting role of Matthew McConaughey’s filmography since Lone Star.

Gist: Loosely based on the true-life tale of Ron Woodroof, a drug taking, women loving, homophobic man who, in 1986 was diagnosed with full blown HIV/AIDS and given thirty days to live. He started taking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AZT, the only legal drug available in the U.S, which brought him to the brink of death. To survive, he smuggled non-toxic, anti-viral medications from all over the world, but yet still illegal in the U.S. Other AIDS patients sought out his medications forgoing hospitals, doctors and AZT.

Release Date: Filming took place this past November, and Voltage Pictures knows that whomever picks up the distribution rights are going to have to come in with a pre-built awards strategy campaign as this will likely place McConaughey in a Best Actor nom circle. Telluride-TIFF showings appear likely, a late season theatrical release as well.