SANTA FE, New Mexico — After years marked by tragedy and grief, the film “Rust” is set for release on Friday, rekindling complex emotions surrounding its troubled production. The project was notably affected by the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was fatally shot in 2021 by Alec Baldwin, one of the film’s stars.
Director Joel Souza reflected on the emotional weight of completing the film, acknowledging the desire of Hutchins’ family to see it finished. Initially reluctant to return, he ultimately felt compelled to honor her memory. “I couldn’t live with the idea of someone else doing it,” Souza said, expressing a shared sense of responsibility with the cast and crew.
While he is resolute in finishing the project, Souza harbors regret over the film’s inception. “I wish I never wrote the damn movie,” he remarked. He described the chaotic chain of events leading up to the shooting as a series of misjudgments. Souza’s own experience was marked by personal pain, as he was also injured in the incident.
Following the tragedy, prop armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence. Charges against Baldwin, who faced similar allegations, were dropped last December due to mishandled evidence, leaving the future of his career uncertain.
Souza’s relationship with Baldwin remains distant. “We’re not friends. We’re not enemies. There’s no relationship,” he noted. His focus has shifted entirely to the film and its painful legacy. He has not watched Baldwin’s recent reality series, finding the timing unpalatable. “I think I was busy hitting myself in the face with a frying pan that night,” he quipped.
Resuming filming was an emotionally fraught endeavor for Souza, who had to face the actor involved in the incident that left him and Hutchins altered forever. “I was a mess going in and a mess coming out,” he expressed. Support from the crew and family helped him navigate this difficult process.
Critics have begun reviewing “Rust,” with some calling it a straightforward Western that grapples with moral complexities inherent in American lore. Although noted for its stunning landscapes, the film has received mixed assessments regarding its narrative depth. Reviewers praised the cinematography, crediting both Hutchins and Bianca Cline for crafting visually compelling scenes that imbue the film with richness and tension.
After its limited theatrical release starting May 2, “Rust” will also be available for streaming purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video for $14.99. As the film makes its debut, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of its troubled history and the resilience of those who brought it to life.