hillbilly

Hillbilly, released in 2018, is a thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary that endeavors to demystify stereotypes while offering a poignant look at the landscape of the American rural working class, often designated as 'hillbillies.' The film is directed by Sally Rubin and Ashley York, and features interviews with a variety of individuals, including the renowned British documentarian Sir Michael Apted, veteran actor Ronny Cox, and talented folk musician Sam Gleaves.

The documentary is the brainchild of co-director Ashley York, who hails from the mountains of eastern Kentucky. York undertakes an intensely personal journey to reconnect with and understand her roots while attempting to shatter the hillbilly stereotype that has dominated media discourse for decades. York presents the viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at "the real face" of the region, a picture significantly different from the grotesque caricatures often portrayed of rural America.

One of the documentary's strengths lies in its balanced approach. York and Rubin interview an impressively diverse range of individuals from different sections of society, each with their unique perspective on the complexities involved in the designation 'hillbilly.' They feature a myriad of voices, from the music legend Ronny Cox, native to New Mexico, to Sam Gleaves, a musician fostering traditional Appalachian roots and activism through his work. The involvement of Michael Apted, a veteran filmmaker known for his comprehensive and empathetic approach to studying the lives of his subjects, adds significant depth to the film.

In this documentary, the actors do not merely provide ancillary voices but form an integral part of the narrative. Ronny Cox, for example, lends his perspective as an artist who has often depicted rural American lives in his work, proving his understanding of the duality of the 'hillbilly' existence – the struggle and the pride, the wisdom and the stereotypes. At the same time, Sam Gleaves' folk music provides both a soundtrack and a narrative thread, weaving the various interviews and pieces of the film together into a cohesive whole.

Hillbilly is a film that manages to navigate the complicated terrain of politics and culture without falling into the trap of oversimplification. It explores the intersection of the rural and urban divide, tracing its historical and political roots. While the film starts with a personal journey, it quickly dares to step into the larger, more complicated issues of poverty, the opioid crisis, political leanings, and the polarization ingrained in rural America's social fabric.

Yet, despite the heaviness of these subject matters, the film also presents viewers with an array of moments of resilience and vitality that signify the spirit embodied by the 'hillbillies.' Be it through showcasing the region's musical richness or highlighting their cultural traditions, the film successfully nurtures a feeling of admiration for these individuals, who, despite several odds, have, time and again, displayed their sturdiness, unity, and resilience.

Moreover, the film's cinematography is also worth noticing as it captures the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian region. The lush, rolling landscapes serve as a counterpoint to the often harsh realities of life in these areas. This juxtaposition adds another layer of nuance to the narrative, subverting the typical 'hillbilly' portrayal even more.

Overall, Hillbilly is a powerful documentary that takes the audience on a roller coaster of emotions, unveiling a new side of American life while emphasizing the necessity of validating the experience of every American, irrespective of where they reside. The film is a pivotal attempt to replace the unidimensional narrative concerning rural Americans with a multidimensional, nuanced, and empathetic understanding of their lives. While Hillbilly brings home the harsh realities that rural Americans face, it also paints a picture of the strength, resilience, and richness of the culture in these regions. Its honest confrontation with the trials and tribulations of 'hillbilly' life succeeds in creating a compelling and heartening portrayal of the American rural working class that demands attention, respect, and empathy.