After years of tragedy and turmoil, the ill-fated film Rust is set to be released this Friday. The film's writer-director, Joel Souza, has expressed his complex feelings about the project, especially in light of the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was fatally shot in 2021 by the film's star, Alec Baldwin. Following extensive discussions, Souza, along with the cast and crew, made the decision to complete the film, honoring Hutchins' family’s wish for its completion.
In an interview with The Guardian, Souza revealed, “Hutchins’ family wanted it completed. I’d been repelled by the thought of going back, but then it started to appeal. And I couldn’t live with the idea of someone else doing it.” Despite this commitment, Souza reflects that he wishes he could turn back time and never have made the film. He candidly stated, “Talk about the butterfly effect — I wish I never wrote the damn movie. You think about the chain of events that started that morning of the shooting. Bad decision after bad decision was made.”
The film has also been marred by legal issues surrounding the production. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the prop armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence. Meanwhile, Baldwin faced similar charges, but they were dismissed in December due to mishandled evidence. Souza remarked on his relationship with Baldwin, saying, “We’re not friends. We’re not enemies. There’s no relationship.” He also noted that he has not watched Baldwin's recent family reality show on Max, titled The Baldwins, which has received poor ratings. “I think I was busy hitting myself in the face with a frying pan that night it aired,” he quipped.
The resumption of filming was an emotionally challenging experience for Souza, especially as he had to work with the actor who unintentionally shot him. The bullet that tragically killed Hutchins also inflicted a wound on Souza's shoulder. He admitted, “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.”
Reviews of Rust have started to emerge, with The Hollywood Reporter describing it as a “no-frills Western,” encapsulating the classic themes of cowboys and outlaws while exploring profound moral dilemmas rooted in American mythology. The film is acknowledged for its competent production and is said to be engaging at times, although some critics noted that it lacks a certain momentum. The review praised its cinematography, which was initially crafted by Hutchins and later completed by Bianca Cline. “It’s not clear where Hutchins’ work ends and Cline’s begins, but the end result is harmonious and visually compelling,” the review stated, highlighting impressive moments that utilize shadows and silhouettes, along with dramatic gun battles.
As Rust prepares for its release, the film stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those in the film industry. It not only serves as a tribute to Halyna Hutchins but also as a reflection on the responsibilities and consequences inherent in filmmaking.
