The background of "Dallas Buyers Club" is 1980s Dallas, Texas, and the film is based on a true story. Works such as "Brokeback Mountain," "Milk," and " Prayers for Bobby" have reflected society's rejection of homosexuality, so it is not difficult to understand the homophobia depicted among the general public in "Dallas Buyers Club." Moreover, during that period, the United States focused solely on studying one kind of AIDS medication. The medication, AZT, which Ron takes in the film, stood as the sole AIDS treatment drug sanctioned by the FDA at that time. The U.S. was notably cautious in the advancement of AIDS medications, leading to foreign AIDS drugs being regarded as contraband within the country.
The film highlights the stark contrast in Ron's life before and after contracting AIDS, and it elevates the theme of equality and the right to live for everyone. Ron indulges in alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling, and casual sexual intercourse. Due to the social awareness at the time and his identification with cowboy culture, Ron also harbors a deep aversion towards homosexuality, as seen in his sarcastic remarks about Hollywood actor Rock Hudson being gay, as well as his disgust towards Rayon, a transgender woman, when she gets close to him. Ron could never have imagined that he would spend his remaining years alongside the LGBT community. His excessive indulgence, wandering between pleasure and sensuality, allowed HIV to quietly infiltrate this once invincible cowboy's body.
Until the day of his fall, he didn't realize that he could also be knocked down by fate. How could this terrible disease, which only happened to homosexuals, befall him? Being unable to cope, he sought solace in the library, delving into research until he became convinced that it was a devastating and life-altering blow. Driven by instinct, Ron sought treatment methods. He found a doctor at the hospital but was told that the experimental drug AZT could only be provided to a tiny number of patients. Feeling abandoned by the hospital, Ron began trading drugs on the black market.
In his final transaction, Ron learned about a doctor in Mexico who had developed an anti-AIDS drug despite having his license revoked in the United States. After a circuitous journey to Mexico, he received treatment and his health started to improve. Inspired by this, he started smuggling anti-AIDS drugs. Due to the scarcity of AIDS treatment medications in the United States at that time, Ron's drug trade business thrived. Numerous patients approached Ron to acquire medication, leading to the establishment of the "Dallas Buyers Club," with the invaluable assistance of Rayon. Engaged in the unauthorized distribution of drugs, the "Buyers Club" naturally encountered opposition. Ron's office was subjected to a police search, and he faced charges from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Eventually, Ron took the FDA to court, where the ruling acknowledged Ron's right to access medication crucial for his own survival and treatment. While not a complete triumph, it signified a positive turning point.
In this process, three transformations must be mentioned. One is Ron's attitude towards Rayon, the other one is the female doctor Eve's attitude towards Ron's drug trafficking, and the last one being Ron's attitude towards life. In the hospital, Ron initially displays resistance toward Rayon, a crossdresser whom he encounters for the first time. However, despite his initial hesitation, Ron succumbs to loneliness and eventually engages in a game of cards with Rayon, initiating their interaction. When Ron starts smuggling drugs, Rayon voluntarily invests and runs the business together. During their time together, Ron gradually understands the LGBTQ community and begins to care about Rayon's life. For example, he advises him to quit drugs and stands up for him when Rayon is looked down upon. The last friendship in Ron's life is something that is hard to come by.
Initially, doctor Eve also disagrees with Ron's drug trafficking, but after learning about the medical authorities and FDA's inaction, she decisively supports Ron's "Buyers Club".
The most important transformation is Ron's own attitude, from a carefree cowboy to a social activist fighting for the rights of the AIDS community. In his final days, he witnessed his own value.
One characteristic of this film is the use of the clock as a motif. After Ron collapses and is diagnosed with AIDS, he is told that he only has 30 days to live. Despair engulfs him, and he begins to live a desperate life, marking the days on the calendar. On the 30th day, he finds a life-saving drug in Mexico and starts selling medications. At first, his intentions are purely for personal gain, but later he fights for the rights of the homosexuals and AIDS-patients community. In his final days, he battles against the disease and the FDA. After his diagnosis with AIDS 2557 days later, he ultimately succumbed to the illness.
The film features two symbolic elements: rodeo competitions and a hand-painted wildflower artwork left by Ron Woodroof's mother. The rodeo represents resistance, while the wildflowers symbolize warmth. Ron embodies the spirit of a cowboy, showing his indomitable nature, while Rayon is depicted as a delicate wildflower, representing the tender side of the film.
When Ron witnesses the indifference of his former friends upon learning about his AIDS diagnosis, the only thing he takes with him when he leaves home, aside from money, is the artwork. Later, after developing a different kind of affection with Dr Eve Saks, he gifts her the painting. Eve hangs it on the wall, and a moment of warmth fills the air. The film begins and ends with rodeo competitions. In the beginning, Ron is depicted as debauched, but in the end, he appears to be revitalized. He rides a bull, braving the impact, and in that moment, an image of a heroic fighter is born.
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