Two fictional supporting characters, Dr. The article, which featured interviews with Woodroof and also recreated his dramatic international exploits, attracted widespread attention from filmmakers and journalists. Screenwriter Borten interviewed Woodroof in and wrote the script, which he polished with writer Wallack in , and then sold to producer Robbie Brenner.
Several other actors, directors, and producers who were attached at various times to the development of the film left the project.
Universal Pictures also tried to make the film, but did not. A couple of screenwriters wrote drafts that were rejected. Principal photography began on November 11, , in New Orleans , Louisiana , continuing for 25 days of filming, which also included shooting in Baton Rouge. Brenner and Rachel Winter co-produced the film. The official soundtrack album featured various artists, and was released digitally on October 29, , by the Relativity Music Group.
The film received critical acclaim, resulting in numerous accolades. Most praised the performances of McConaughey and Leto, who received the Academy Award for Best Actor and for Best Supporting Actor , respectively, at the 86th Academy Awards , making this the first film since Mystic River , and only the fifth film ever, to win both awards.
As a heterosexual, he initially refuses to accept the diagnosis but remembers having unprotected sex with a woman who was an intravenous drug user a couple years prior. He is soon ostracized by family and friends who mistakenly assume he contracted AIDS from homosexual relations. He gets fired from his job, and is eventually evicted from his home. At the hospital, he is tended to by Dr. Saks informs him that in the clinical trials , half the patients receive the drug and the other half a placebo , as this is the only way they can determine if the drug is working.
