I heard on Sirius Radio that some gay activists are unhappy with this movie in that it portrays a straight (and initially homophobic) man's efforts to (somewhat unintentionally) make a difference in the availability of medicine in the early days of the epidemic. Because many gay people were taking similar steps in this type of effort as well.
I now wonder if those critics actually saw the movie before commenting. A big part of the movie focuses the main (close-minded, homophobic) character's growth as he struggles with having AIDS and being told he has about 30 days left to live. Over time he gains an unlikely best friend, a transvestite who becomes a bit of an adopted little brother and his partner in the buyers club.
The movie presents some very interesting topics of discussion...or at least some food for thought. The guy is shockingly homophobic in the beginning. His customers are almost exclusively gay--does he become accepting because they're making him money or because he sympathizes with them as someone dealing with AIDS?
The movie is also an interesting view of what was going on at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, how the pharmaceutical companies approached the opportunity and "buyers clubs" that formed in response.
Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto all did a fantastic job in this movie--although the weight loss by the two male leads is a bit unnerving. Good for accuracy but also concerning for their health. The acting by all involved was high-caliber.
I definitely recommend the movie, and will watch to see if any of the (well deserved) Oscar buzz around Jared Leto's performance turns into a nomination...or maybe more.
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