director Ron Howard has voiced his surprise and disappointment regarding JD Vance's recent political rhetoric Howard who directed hilbilly elegy expressed concern over how Vance's political statements diverge from the themes and messages portrayed in the film the film based on Vance's Memoir explored complex social issues and personal struggles Howard's comments reflect a broader discussion about the disconnect between Vance's public Persona and the narrative presented in the film highlighting the challenges of aligning person values with political expressions