Filmmaker Ron Howard recently reflected on the surprising political evolution of JD Vance, whose memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, he adapted into a film in 2020. Howard admitted he never anticipated Vance's rise to political prominence, particularly his current role as a vice presidential candidate. The director acknowledged the film's polarizing reception, noting its critical disapproval contrasted with a favorable audience response. Despite the passage of time since their collaboration, Howard conveyed his ongoing surprise at Vance's divisive political discourse, highlighting the stark contrast with the individual he came to know during the production process.
\nDuring a promotional interview for his new movie, Eden, Howard discussed his adapted work, Hillbilly Elegy. He openly admitted that he intentionally avoids dwelling on the film's reception, describing it as a "mixed bag" with distinct cultural divisions. He pointed out the disparity between the negative reviews from critics and the positive ratings from the audience, indicating a divergence in how the film was perceived across different groups.
\nWhen asked to reconcile the person he knew during the film's production with the politician Vance has become, Howard stated that he has observed the transformation, though it remains unexpected. He expressed surprise at the often-divisive nature of Vance's public statements, emphasizing that he does not closely follow every aspect of Vance's political activities. This sentiment underscores a personal disconnect between the director's past impressions and Vance's current political persona.
\nThe film adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy featured Gabriel Basso and Owen Asztalos portraying Vance at various stages of his life. Amy Adams played his mother, while Glenn Close received significant attention for her role as his grandmother, Mamaw, earning both Oscar and Razzie nominations for her portrayal, which involved extensive use of prosthetics. The narrative follows Vance, a former Marine and Yale Law student, as he navigates a family crisis that draws him back to his roots in southern Ohio, confronting his mother's drug addiction and the formative influence of his grandmother.
\nVance's 2016 memoir gained considerable attention, becoming a New York Times best-seller and garnering praise from conservative circles as an insightful depiction of life in the Rust Belt. However, the film adaptation was largely met with negative reviews. Entertainment Weekly criticized the movie as a combination of "laughably bad" and "boringly bad" elements, stitched together with a flashback structure that the publication suggested was outdated.
\nHoward recounted Vance's disappointment regarding the film's negative critical reception. According to Vulture, some observers believed this negative response pushed Vance further into conservative politics. Howard noted that Vance appreciated the performances of Glenn Close and Amy Adams, and generally liked the film itself. However, Vance reportedly felt that his political involvement had "tainted" or "colored" the critical reception, leading to his resentment. Howard also mentioned that during their collaboration, Vance's public comments about the administration were well-known, and he was then focused on managing an investment fund. Consequently, Vance's decision to run for Senate and the political strategies he has adopted were not something Howard would have anticipated.
\nHoward had previously shared similar thoughts when Vance was announced as Donald Trump's running mate. In a September interview with Variety, the Oscar-winning director expressed his surprise and concern over much of the rhetoric coming from Vance's campaign. He affirmed that Vance's candidacy did not alter his fundamental opposition to Donald Trump's re-election. Howard emphasized the importance of informed voting, urging people to carefully consider what candidates are saying in the present moment, rather than relying on past perceptions.
\nHoward confirmed that he has not spoken directly with Vance since the film's production and promotion concluded. However, he did send Vance a text message after the election, simply conveying "Godspeed. Try to serve us well," reflecting a hopeful yet cautious sentiment towards Vance's future in public service.