As a gamer and movie enthusiast with a soft spot for biographical dramas, I was intrigued when I heard about “Hillbilly Elegy,” the Netflix film based on J.D. Vance’s memoir of the same name. With Ron Howard at the helm and an impressive cast including Glenn Close and Amy Adams, I eagerly anticipated this movie that promised a heartfelt exploration of the struggles and triumphs of the American working class.
J.D. Vance, the running mate of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and an Ohio senator, has made a foray into the film industry. However, his debut movie role in the 2020 Netflix drama “Hillbilly Elegy” has not been well-received by critics. The film, which is based on Vance’s memoir of the same name and follows his character’s homecoming to Ohio for a harsh awakening to the region’s struggles, has earned a disappointing 25% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes reviewers.
As a devoted fan, I was excited to see Gabriel Basso bring J.D. Vance to life in “Hillbilly Elegy,” supported by some of the most talented actors and filmmakers in the industry. However, despite high expectations, critics have been underwhelmed by the final product. The general consensus is that the movie aimed for impact and awards recognition but fell flat with its lackluster execution. In the words of Jordan Hoffman from TV Guide, “Not much actually transpires in this film.” The source material was rich with themes and ideas, so the adaptation had to maintain a certain neutrality to stay true to the book. While viewers on both sides of the political spectrum might search for hidden messages, I believe the effort may not be worth it.
Critics disliked Hillbilly Elegy, but audiences enjoyed it
Critics may have panned “Hillbilly Elegy,” but audiences seemed to enjoy it more. The film’s audience score on Rotten Tomatoes stands strong at 82%, making it the seventh most-watched Netflix release during the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend. Given the impressive roster of big-name contributors involved in the production, this outcome isn’t entirely unexpected.
Ron Howard helmed the film “Hillbilly Elegy,” with Vanessa Taylor penning the screenplay, known for her work on “The Shape of Water.” The movie features an engaging cast, including Gabriel Basso as Vance, and notable performances by Glenn Close and Amy Adams portraying vibrant characters in his Appalachian family. Their roles are commendable; Adams’ portrayal of a Hillbilly Elegy character showcases her versatility, while Close shines brighter than ever in the challenging role of Vance’s grandmother, Mamaw.
Close received an Academy Award nomination for her acting in the film “Hillbilly Elegy.” The movie itself earned an Oscar nomination for its remarkable makeup and hairstyling. Yet, the film drew mixed responses, with it additionally receiving three Razzie Award nominations – including one for Close in the worst actress category.
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2024-07-16 16:59