Critics and audiences divided over his portrayal of poverty
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J. D. Vance has been announced as Donald Trump’s running mate in his quest for the United States presidency, sparking renewed interest in the questionable film depicting his troubled formative years in rural Ohio.
Before Vance, 39, was just steps away from the world’s toughest position, he described himself as a “mountain man” raised in Appalachia, living in poverty, depression and dysfunction.
His exceptional career at Yale Law School is documented in his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, published in 2017.
“I will be the first to admit that I have done nothing wonderful in my life and, in fact, nothing that would justify a complete stranger spending money on reading,” Vance writes in the advent of the e-book that now has a kind of e-book. . prophecy.
“I am neither a senator, nor a governor, nor a cabinet secretary. “
The e-book has become an instant bestseller and the subject of a Netflix movie of the same name.
The drama stars Amy Adams as Vance’s mother Bev and Glenn Close as his grandmother Mawmaw. Vance himself is the executive producer of the film and is played by actor Gabriel Basso. The film was described by The Independent critic Clarisse Loughrey as “a sickening, irresponsible parade of death and despair. “
Scott Mendelson of Forbes wrote that the film “presents itself as ‘privileged’ Hollywood outsiders looking with pity to assuage their white liberal guilt. By ignoring the very vocal policies and non-public observations that made the book supposedly valuable as memory, the film denies the very explanation of why it exists.
Widely criticized for perpetuating stereotypes about the poor, author Ron Howard defended himself against the attacks by accusing critics of viewing the film through the lens of broader “political themes. “
The “political themes” Howard refers to are Vance’s ideals and political affiliations. Currently a junior senator from the United States from Ohio, he is seen as a spokesperson for disenfranchised populations, with right-wing ideals, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and a leading figure in the kind of “culture wars” rhetoric that ushered in Trump and Brexit.
He recently faced complaints when he called the UK an “Islamist” country, disparagingly comparing it to Pakistan and Iran following the election of the new Labor government.
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But politics aside, the film’s stars have a lot to offer as a universal story of struggle, resilience, ambition, and success.
Adams defended the film, saying, “I believe that the universality of the film’s themes transcends politics. “
Howard added: “What I saw was a very relatable family drama. Yes, culturally specific, and if that fascinates you, I hope you do.
“If you are from the area, I hope you find this original because that is indeed our purpose and effort. But I felt that it is a bridge to perceive that we are more alike than different.
Hillbilly Elegy is now on Netflix.
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Vance has been Trump’s vice presidential nominee.
Film Vance’s dysfunctional upbringing in poverty
What’s Next for Vance’s Dysfunctional Family
Vance has a date with his grandmother in the memoir and film.
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