The Rise of Matthew McConaughey

Known for his curly brown hair and blue eyes, Texan Matthew McConaughey has been commonly cast on his appearances rather than his merits but as of late the star has seen a meteoric rise in his acting profile, culminating in an Oscar nomination  for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club.

So where did it change for Matthew McConaughey?

Back in 1993, after a bout of TV commercials, McConaughey earned his break when he teamed up with old university friend Richard Linklater in Dazed and Confused. Co-starring alongside Mila Jovovich and Adam Goldberg, the Texan was supposed to have a minor role but showing early signs of promise his role was extended, eventually amassing over 300 lines in a role that was initial set for just 3 scenes.

Following his plunge into a first feature film, McConaughey followed with roles in two prestigious 1996 film releases: Lone Star and A Time To Kill, with the latter earning him his first accolade: the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance. Both roles pitted Matthew beside some real Hollywood heavyweights and showed he could cut it alongside them.

Soon after the actor attracted attention as one of the hottest leading men around, becoming People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2005 and one of their Hottest Bachelors of 2006. This saw a trend in McConaughey being typically cast as the protagonist of romantic-comedies such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wedding Planner, an image that would damage his Hollywood profile with roles that underplayed his acting credentials.

Initially this garnered the actor substantial income but in 2008 in comedy Surfer, Dude McConaughey fell flat on his face following another unsuccessful film. On the back of this slump and with a newborn on the way, Matthew McConaughey took a two-year stint out of Hollywood returning in 2011 with a new ethos, scrapping his previous reputation as a big screen heart-throb. This move reinvented his acting profile and led to successful roles in Lincoln Lawyer, Bernie, Magic Mike and Mud.

After cementing his place as an A-lister, audiences can look forward to seeing McConaughey supporting Leonardo Di Caprio in soon to be released The Wolf of Wall Street and as the lead man in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming sci-fi, Interstellar.

But for now audiences can bask in McConaughey’s Golden Globe and Oscar nominated performance as the gaunt, HIV diagnosed, drugs smuggler in Dallas Buyers Club.

January Film Releases 2014

Another year, another batch of films to stretch and stagnate the imagination. January sees the appearance of Hollywood royal Leonardo Di Caprio alongside long anticipated 12 Years A Slave. One that’s set to be a disappointment is Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. From Idris Elba’s aberrant South African accent to the apparent appraisal of violent methods to overthrow government it seems they’ve made a hash of it all, which doesn’t prove well for a subject that is still in the memory of many. Nevertheless the recent death of the great South African leader will undoubtedly prove a boost to ticket sales.

Paranormal Activity- The Marked Ones

Release Date: 3rd January

After what seemed like an endless stream of Paranormal Activity films, with the fifth expected to be released at the back-end of 2014, things are moving in a refreshing direction with The Marked Ones. Central to the film is still the idea of paranormal entities creating increasingly threatening situations  but the Marked Ones drags the action into the open world, introducing audiences to an array of new paranormal incidents. With a new setting, cast and set of ideas, The Marked Ones looks promising.

The Wolf Of Wall Street

Release Date: 17th January

Starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey and directed by Martin Scorsese, most, including myself, won’t need more reason than the all-star cast to see this black comedy, Leonardo Di Caprio’s on-screen aura is always a good enough reason to visit the cinema. The film  is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. The release of The Wolf Of Wall Street will mark Di Caprio’s fifth collaboration with Scorsese, following; The Aviator, Gangs of New York, Shutter Island and The Departed.

12 Years A Slave

Release Date: 24th January

A year after the UK release of Django Unchained comes 12 Years A Slave, a film that has many parallels to Tarentino’s Western but one that promises to top its dizzy heights. Based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom, a free black man from upstate New York is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life. Directed by Steve McQueen and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt, it is yet another all-star January release. If you’re not yet sold on 12 Years A Slave, I challenge you to watch the trailer and not be touched by Ejofor’s rousing ” I will survive! I will not fall into despair. I will keep myself hardy until freedom is opportune!” speech.