The Western drama Rust, starring Alec Baldwin, has been at the center of controversy following a tragic on-set accident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza, who was injured during the incident, recently spoke about the film’s completion and its release, emphasizing its dedication to Hutchins’ artistry.
Souza’s Appeal to Viewers
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on November 20, Souza expressed understanding toward those hesitant to watch the film.
“If people don’t want to watch this movie, for any reason, they certainly don’t need to, and there’s no hard feelings from me,” Souza said.
He encouraged those who choose to view the film to focus on the visual storytelling, highlighting Hutchins’ artistic vision.
“It’s a very unique opportunity to look through Halyna’s eyes and see how she saw the world,” Souza explained.
The director shared that completing the project became a tribute to Hutchins, with cast and crew rallying together despite the emotionally charged circumstances.
Incident and Legal Aftermath
The tragedy occurred on October 21, 2021, during filming in New Mexico, when a prop gun Baldwin was holding discharged, fatally wounding Hutchins and injuring Souza. The incident led to intense scrutiny over safety protocols on film sets.
Baldwin initially faced charges of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023, but these were later dropped after defense attorneys accused prosecutors of withholding evidence. However, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the set armorer responsible for the firearms, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter and remains under legal scrutiny.
Legacy and Cinematic Tribute
Souza shared how Hutchins’ vision became the driving force for the team to finish Rust.
“They came back and stepped into a very difficult and loaded situation because they were touched by her,” he said.
Souza hopes the film offers viewers a chance to appreciate Hutchins’ unique perspective and celebrate her contribution to the art of cinematography.
The completion of Rust stands as a poignant reminder of Hutchins’ talent and an example of the challenges faced by the film industry in ensuring safety on sets.
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