Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump’s unexpected choice for running mate has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, particularly for Ohio Republican J.D. Vance, who garnered attention from some surprising quarters. Vance gained fame—if that’s what you want to call it—thanks to a biopic about his life, “Hillbilly Elegy,” featuring Hollywood heavyweights. The film, directed by the legendary Ron Howard, managed to mix Vance’s humble Appalachian upbringing with a sprinkle of star power. Who knew that would lead to a dose of political drama years later?
Once upon a time, it seemed like Howard and Vance were fellow travelers on the same political road. However, change is the only constant in showbiz—especially in the politically charged environment of 2023. In a recent twist, Howard has decided to take his foot off the gas pedal for Vance and Trump, declaring that he won’t be supporting them in the upcoming election. This revelation raises the age-old question: can someone really change so dramatically, or is this just Hollywood playing their usual game of political virtue signaling?
‘No one cares what Opie thinks’ ~ ~ ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ director Ron Howard says he’s ‘surprised and disappointed’ by J.D. Vance’s campaign rhetoric https://t.co/AiRQ8hKlNb pic.twitter.com/y258hI0Ht8
— Mary (@matjendav4) September 8, 2024
Howard, at 70, appears baffled that his old buddy, now wrapped up in Trump’s vice-presidential escapades, seems so different from the person he knew while filming “Hillbilly Elegy.” During the movie’s production, they didn’t get too heavy into political debates; they were focused on Vance’s upbringing and his narrative of survival. But despite their past camaraderie, Howard’s recent comments hint at a sudden and irrational disenchantment with Vance, possibly because that cozy hillbilly story doesn’t fit into his current Hollywood narrative.
In his remarks post-Toronto International Film Festival, Howard lamented that he was taken aback by the rhetoric stemming from the Trump-Vance ticket. It appears that the leftist filmmaker now wears blinders, viewing everything through a politically charged lens, while conveniently forgetting the humble roots that Vance brought to the surface in their earlier partnership. Apparently, the lessons from “Hillbilly Elegy”—which were about grit and determination—don’t hold the same weight when political alliances shift.
As far as Vance is concerned, the Ohioan remains steadfast in his identity, which he has cultivated through hard work and determination, despite Hollywood’s changing opinions. The film might have tanked in critical circles, labeled as “bootstrapping poverty porn” by some elitist critics, but it nevertheless shed light on real American struggles. While Howard drowns in disappointment, Vance keeps moving forward, navigating the political winds like a seasoned sailor. It’s too bad that for some, his background and achievements have taken a back seat to cute celebrity sentiments. Vance’s journey from a working-class background to Yale Law School might just be what America needs today, regardless of what Hollywood wants to project.
