Jared Leto, absent from the film scene for five years, stunned audiences by shedding a whopping 40 pounds to embody a character grappling with AIDS in the film “Dallas Buyers Club,” unveiled to an enthralled crowd at the Toronto Film Festival.
When asked about his drastic weight loss, Leto revealed his method bluntly, stating, “I ceased eating.”
It was a grueling journey, he admitted, emphasizing that he lost track after dropping around 30 to 40 pounds.
His weight plummeted to a startling 114 pounds to portray Rayon, a transsexual facing the challenges of HIV and later AIDS.
Leto noted that this significant transformation altered not just his physical appearance but also his demeanor and mindset, affecting even the simplest actions like walking and sitting.
The narrative of “Dallas Buyers Club” does not linger on the physical changes undergone by Leto and his co-star Matthew McConaughey, who also shed substantial weight through a meticulous dietary regimen.
Instead, the movie delves into the poignant tale of Ron Woodruff (played by McConaughey), a determined Texan electrician battling HIV, who ventures beyond conventional medical protocols to seek unconventional treatments for himself and fellow sufferers.
Leto portrays Woodruff’s ally, navigating the complexities of the medical world to provide alternative medications sourced from Mexico.
Jennifer Garner takes on the role of a conflicted doctor torn between aiding AIDS patients and conforming to the constraints of a sluggish healthcare system.
Leto’s hiatus from filmmaking over the past half-decade was primarily to focus on his main pursuit as the frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, renowned for their extensive tours and millions of albums sold.
However, “Dallas Buyers Club” presented a compelling narrative that compelled Leto to step back into the world of cinema.
Having set a condition to return only for a project that deeply resonated with him, Leto found that this particular story met his criteria.
The weight loss journey of Leto and McConaughey captured headlines when images surfaced showcasing their dramatic physical changes.
Despite their slender appearances at the premiere, both actors have since regained a more typical physique.
Their performances are anticipated to be key contenders in the upcoming awards season discussions.
