In a recent interview, “Rust” director Joel Souza expressed his disbelief that he would be the one to complete the Western film following the tragic on-set accident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred when actor Alec Baldwin accidentally discharged a firearm, resulting in Hutchins' death and Souza being injured. Now, three and a half years later, this highly anticipated film is set to open in theaters on Friday.
Souza shared with the Guardian that initially, the thought of returning to the set to finish the film was daunting. “I’d been repelled by the thought of going back, but now it started to appeal. And I couldn’t live with the idea of someone else doing it,” he said. His decision to honor Hutchins’ legacy played a significant role in his choice to complete the project. Her family also supported the idea of having the film finished with her final work, which added another layer of motivation for Souza.
Returning to the set was not an easy task for Souza. He candidly described his emotional state during the process, stating, “I was a mess going in and a mess coming out. The crew carried me through. My family carried me through. Emotionally, I was all over the map.” The director's vulnerability highlights the profound impact the tragedy had on him and the team involved in the production.
When discussing the events leading up to the shooting, Souza remarked, “Bad decision after bad decision was made,” expressing his regret about the film's creation. “I wish I never wrote the damn movie,” he added, illustrating the weight of the accident on his creative process and mental health.
Souza also mentioned that he has not watched “The Baldwins,” a recent reality show that follows Baldwin and his family during his involuntary manslaughter trial. His humorous comment, “I think I was busy hitting myself in the face with a frying pan that night,” reflects his emotional struggle during this tumultuous period. The legal case ultimately ended with a motion to dismiss, but the ramifications of that tragic day continue to resonate with those involved.
Despite the challenges, Souza successfully completed the production of “Rust” with the help of cinematographer Bianca Cline. Notably, Hutchins has been honored in the film credits, appearing second to Souza, which is an unusual placement for a director of photography. Souza had long championed the inclusion of female cinematographers, pushing back against stereotypes that suggest “women can’t shoot Westerns.” His determination to highlight female talent in the industry remains a proud aspect of his journey.
The long-awaited release of “Rust” not only marks the completion of a challenging project but also serves as a tribute to Halyna Hutchins' legacy and the resilience of those involved in the film.
