Ron Howard Weighs in on J.D. Vance’s Persona

The director of “Hillbilly Elegy,” a movie about Vice President J.D. Vance’s complex childhood and his journey as a Yale law student, expressed surprise at Vance’s sometimes erratic rhetoric.

In a recent conversation with Vulture, Ron Howard shared insights from his extensive experience in the film industry, having worked with a wide array of personalities, including Vance. He noted that the unpredictability of Vance’s statements caught him off guard.

“It remains a bit of a surprise to me,” Howard remarked. “I’d never anticipated that kind of rhetoric from him. Honestly, I haven’t kept up with all his speeches or comments lately.”

Howard recalled a recent text exchange with Vance. “After the election, I sent a simple message—just ‘Godspeed. Do your best for us,’ ” he shared.

Released in 2020, “Hillbilly Elegy” is based on Vance’s memoir from 2016.

Howard expressed uncertainty regarding the film’s long-term impact. “I understand it’s a mixed bag; opinions seem to be quite divided,” he explained. “The reviews weren’t great, but audiences received it better.”

He mentioned that Vance felt “frustrated” by the critical reaction to the film. When asked if he empathized with Vance’s feelings at the time, Howard responded with affirmation. “Yes, he was frustrated. He appreciated performances by Glenn Close and Amy Adams and liked the film itself. It seemed like his presence was somehow affecting critical views, much like what happened with the book.”