It seems Matthew McConaughey may be going on an awards run this autumn, now that Focus Features has picked up the US distribution rights to The Dallas Buyer’s Club, with plans to release the movie at the end of the year. Indie specialist Focus is well known for lobbying hard for the Oscars, so there’s a good chance they’ve already got a campaign in mind for Dallas Buyer’s Club.
The film see McConaughey as real-life Texas electrician Ron Woodroof, an ordinary man who found himself in a life-or-death battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies. In 1986, Ron was blindsided by being diagnosed as HIV-positive and given 30 days to live.
With the US still internally divided over how to combat the virus and restricting medications, Ron grabbed hold of non-toxic alternative treatments from all over the world by means both legal and illegal. Seeking to avoid government sanctions against selling non-approved medicines and supplements, he established a “buyers club,” which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies.
Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn, Dallas Robert and Griffin Dunne also star.
Director Jean-Marc Vallee commented, “I’m extremely pleased that we are partnered with Focus Features. They have a long and successful history of sharing memorable stories. Ron Woodroof’s story is one of an imperfect man and his fight for survival, during a confused and desperate time. We all believe that this film had to finally be made, and we are all grateful and privileged to be part of this project.”