Ron Howard Reflects on J.D. Vance and the Impact of ‘Hillbilly Elegy’
Five years after the release of J.D. Vance’s memoir adaptation, Hillbilly Elegy, on Netflix, acclaimed director Ron Howard shares his thoughts on the film’s complicated legacy and Vance’s unexpected political journey. The two-time Oscar winner, who directed the 2020 film, admits that Vance’s shift into politics, particularly as a vice presidential pick for Donald Trump, remains surprising to him.
In an interview with Vulture, Howard candidly stated, “I don’t think about it," referring to the polarized reception of Hillbilly Elegy. He recognizes the film’s mixed reviews yet acknowledges that audience reactions were generally positive. “I know it’s a mixed bag and probably quite culturally divided," he added.
When asked about reconciling the J.D. Vance he knew with the political figure he sees today, Howard replied, “It’s happened, so I know what I’ve observed. It remains a bit of a surprise to me. I wouldn’t have seen it coming, and I wouldn’t have expected his rhetoric to be as divisive as it sometimes is. By the way, I’m not following him or listening to every word.”
Hillbilly Elegy tells the story of a Yale Law student, played by Gabriel Basso, who returns to his Appalachian hometown and reflects on his family’s struggles through generations. The film features powerful performances from Amy Adams and Glenn Close, the latter earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for her role.
Interestingly, after Trump announced Vance as his VP choice, viewership for Hillbilly Elegy skyrocketed, increasing by an astonishing 1,180%—from 1.5 million to 19.2 million minutes watched within just 24 hours. When Vance’s memoir was published in 2016, it became a focal point of discussion among both conservatives and liberals, shedding light on the feelings of alienation experienced by many in the white working class, rooted in a legacy of struggle, abuse, and poverty.
As Howard reflects on the film and Vance’s journey, it invites a broader conversation about culture, politics, and the narratives that shape our understanding of society today.
