The Journey from Memoir to Film: An Exploration of the Cultural Impact of J.D. Vance’s Story
Before J.D. Vance became the Republican vice-presidential nominee, he was known for his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which chronicled his upbringing in Appalachia and the Rust Belt. First published in 2016, the book struck a chord with readers seeking an explanation for Donald Trump’s rise, shedding light on the struggles of working-class white Americans. Its success led to a 2020 film adaptation, directed by Ron Howard, though the movie received mixed-to-poor reviews compared to the book’s critical acclaim.
The film stars Gabriel Basso as J.D. Vance, with Glenn Close portraying his grandmother Mamaw, and Amy Adams playing his mother, Bev, who battles addiction and mental health issues. It delves into Vance’s tumultuous childhood in Middletown, Ohio, and his experiences as a Yale Law School student, alternating between his past and present life. The film’s central plot focuses on Vance’s return to his hometown to care for his mother after a heroin overdose, a key moment from his memoir.
Despite being based on the memoir, the movie deviates in several ways. Notably, the film alters Vance’s portrayal of Yale, opting for a more condescending take on his interactions with his classmates, as opposed to the book’s more positive tone. The political themes of the memoir, such as Vance’s critique of his family’s inability to overcome their struggles, are downplayed in the film in favor of focusing more on Vance’s personal journey and his mother’s addiction.
Critically, the film was widely criticized for its melodramatic tone and portrayal of its characters as caricatures. Reviewers like A.O. Scott from The New York Times and Alissa Wilkinson from Vox felt the film lacked focus and depth, with many calling it an attempt to offer a feel-good, overly simplistic narrative. However, audiences on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a much more favorable rating, with an 82% fresh score, indicating that it resonated better with general viewers than critics.
Hillbilly Elegy was also recognized during award season. Glenn Close received nominations for best supporting actress at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, though she ultimately did not win any major awards. Amy Adams also earned a nomination but left empty-handed.
Despite its critical shortcomings, the film managed to attract a large audience, becoming one of the most-streamed programs on Netflix during its release week. It remains a controversial adaptation, with audiences and critics divided over its depiction of rural America and the journey of self-improvement it portrays.
