Now playing in theaters is Jean-Marc Vallée’s drama Dallas Buyers Club. Based on a true story, the film stars Matthew McConaughey as a Texas electrician who, after being diagnosed with AIDS in 1986, began to smuggle alternative and illegal treatments into the US and into the hands of other patients, along with his business partner, a transgender AIDS patient brilliantly played by Jared Leto. While I’ve seen a lot of great performances this year, McConaughey and Leto are at the top of the list. Both give the film their heart and soul and they will both be rewarded with nominations during award season. Dallas Buyers Club is not to be missed. The film also stars Jennifer Garner, Denis O’Hare, Steve Zahn, Michael O’Neill, Dallas Roberts, Griffin Dunne, and Kevin Rankin.
During the Toronto press day for the film, I was able to speak with Vallée. He talked about tackling the material, whether he was nervous when his actors showed up to set super thin, his editing process, and more. Hit the jump to watch.
Finally, if you missed my video interviews with Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey, or Jennifer Garner, click the links.
Jean-Marc Vallée:
- How difficult was it to get it right and was he nervous to tackle the material?
- Was he nervous when his actors showed up rail thin?
- How long was his assembly cut?
- How he's very hands on with his editors.
