‘Hillbilly Elegy’ Movie Based on J.D. Vance’s Upbringing Scores High Ratings After He Joined Trump’s Campaign
‘Hillbilly Elegy’ Movie Based on J.D. Vance’s Upbringing Scores High Ratings After He Joined Trump’s Campaign
Following J.D. Vance’s announcement as Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate, the film adaptation of his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, has surged in popularity, achieving high ratings and reigniting interest in his tumultuous upbringing.
In a dramatic announcement made on the first day of the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump revealed that Ohio Senator, J.D. Vance, will join him as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
The news marks a significant moment for Vance, who has recently seen his life story come back into the spotlight thanks to the renewed interest in his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.
Vance’s memoir, published in 2016, offers a deeply personal account of his rise from a troubled childhood to the halls of Yale Law School. The book delves into his experiences growing up in Jackson, Kentucky, and Middletown, Ohio, where he faced severe poverty and family struggles.
Vance’s mother battled drug addiction, leading him to spend much of his formative years with his beloved grandmother, whom he affectionately calls Mamaw.
The memoir was adapted into a Netflix film released in November 2020, featuring Amy Adams as Vance’s mother and Glenn Close as Mamaw. Despite a star-studded cast and the directorial efforts of Ron Howard, the film received harsh criticism upon its debut. The movie currently holds a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though the audience score remains notably higher at 81%. This disparity reflects a polarized reception, with critics lambasting the film as “objectively terrible,” while viewers have offered a range of opinions from “excellent” to “maybe the worst movie ever made.”
Hillbilly Elegy struggled to find critical acclaim, with some reviewers questioning why such esteemed actors as Adams and Close participated in what was considered a poorly executed adaptation. Glenn Close’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but also a dubious nod as the Worst Supporting Actress at the Golden Raspberry Awards, illustrating the film’s divisive impact.
The film’s popularity, however, has seen a resurgence in light of Trump’s announcement. With the renewed media focus on Vance, the Netflix adaptation has climbed to become the fourth-most-watched film on the streaming service as of Sunday. This unexpected boost in viewership has brought about a fresh wave of reviews. Some viewers have praised the film, attributing its low critical score to political bias, while others have criticized it for deviating from both the book and reality.
“Well done movie all around really enjoyed it! Not surprised to see the critic score so low considering the connection to JD; if it was about Hilary Clinton they would give rave reviews,” one audience member commented on Rotten Tomatoes this week. Another review expressed discontent with the adaptation, saying, “The movie strayed too far from the book which, itself, strayed too far from reality.”
As Vance steps into the national spotlight with his vice-presidential nomination, his memoir — and the film adaptation — continue to generate debate and intrigue. The film’s status as a controversial yet widely viewed piece of work underscores the complex narrative surrounding Vance’s personal story and his political ascent.
Stay Connected With All About The Tea: Twitter Ι Instagram Ι YouTube Ι Facebook Ι Send Us Tips
