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CBC
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Rust opens in theatres more than three years after on-set shooting of cinematographer
Social Sharing More than three years after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of the Alec Baldwin film Rust, the movie has come to theatres, opening quietly Friday with the tragedy of its making still hanging over it. While rehearsing a scene on the New Mexico set in 2021, producer-star Baldwin pointed a prop gun at Hutchins, only for it to suddenly go off, firing a live round that killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. The shocking accident ground the film to a halt and triggered a year-long investigation. But now, the film is available in theatres through a limited theatrical release, meaning it joins a list of films released despite tragic accidents on set, including The Crow and Twilight Zone: The Movie. The armourer for Rust, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. The same charge was brought against Baldwin, but was dismissed after the prosecution was accused of improperly withholding evidence. Dave Halls, assistant director on Rust, pleaded no contest to negligent use of a firearm for not properly checking the gun had no live rounds in it before handing it to Baldwin. The fate of the film itself hung in the balance until, a year and a half after the shooting, production resumed, with Souza returning to complete his job as director and Bianca Cline joining to do the remaining cinematography. Souza has said he decided to finish the film to honour Hutchins's work and also to benefit her family. Although the full terms of her family's settlement with producers are sealed, a news release from the film confirmed that her husband, Matthew, and son Andros would be receiving profits from the film, and that the original producers will not gain financially from its release. WATCH | Judge dismisses charges against Baldwin (from July 2024): Judge dismisses charges against Alec Baldwin 10 months ago Duration 2:15 "The family wanted it completed," Souza told the Guardian earlier this week, adding that while he'd initially been "repelled by the thought of going back … I couldn't live with the idea of someone else doing it." When asked what he would change if he could, he replied, "I wish I never wrote the damn movie." Rust had its world premiere at the Camerimage Film Festival in Poland in November. Rachel Mason, a friend of Hutchins who created a documentary about her death called Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, shared a clip from the Hulu doc on Instagram on Thursday to mark the theatrical release of Rust. "These are Halyna's images and this is Halyna's voice. Rust is Halyna's film. You can see this work of art now at selected theaters," she wrote. "The people who made this film with her are people who deserve compassion." Other tragic accidents on film It isn't the first time that a film has been completed following a tragic accident on set. Art Scholl, a veteran pilot and cameraman, was killed during the filming of the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun while shooting aerial footage for a scene in which the character Goose dies during an aborted mission. On the set of the 1983 film Twilight Zone: The Movie, Vic Morrow and two child actors aged six and seven, Renee Shin-Yi Chen and Myca Dinh Le, were all killed when a low-flying helicopter lost control and crashed into them. The horrific accident saw co-director John Landis and four others on the film's team facing involuntary manslaughter charges — though none were found to be criminally liable — and prompted tightening regulations for on-set safety. Perhaps the closest mirror to Hutchins's death is that of Brandon Lee: the 28-year-old star, son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was filming the final scenes of noir thriller The Crow when another actor shot him with a prop gun that had been improperly loaded. Lee died hours later. The remaining scenes were shot with his stunt double, and the film was eventually released in 1994, going on to gross over $50 million US worldwide. Lee's sister, Shannon Lee, told CNN in 2023 that the family had wanted to share his final work, knowing how proud of it he was. "It would have seemed really unfair for him not to get to share that with the world," she said. Reaction to Rust mixed Set in 1880s Wyoming, Rust follows a young teenager named Lucas and his estranged grandfather, a grizzled outlaw played by Baldwin. The finished film doesn't contain the scene Baldwin was rehearsing when the gun went off, but in a western action film, gunshots and violence are an inevitable refrain throughout the story. The dissonance of assessing a film about a gunslinging outlaw considering the surrounding context is reflected in the hesitant tone of reviews of the film, with many praising the striking visuals of Hutchins's — and Cline's — cinematography, while also noting that Rust largely fails to step out of the shadow of Hutchins's death on its own merits. "There's not a moment in Rust in which one loses awareness of the tragedy," Jocelyn Noveck of The Associated Press wrote, adding that the movie is "better in some aspects" than viewers may have expected. "Like The Crow or Twilight Zone: The Movie, Rust is a film that's forever tied to one fatal day," Brian Truitt of USA Today wrote. Whether or not many audiences will be interested in seeing Rust remains to be seen. But those who make the trip to theatres won't be able to forget the cinematographer's death for long. At the end of the film, the words "...for Halyna," appear onscreen, with Hutchins's name repeated in Ukrainian as well. For the film's final message, there's a quote from the late cinematographer: "What can we do to make this better?"
Los Angeles Times
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Unlike ‘The Baldwins,' Halyna Hutchins documentary grapples with reality of ‘Rust' shooting
Five minutes into the new Hulu documentary 'Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna,' the film's director, Rachel Mason, stands against the cornflower blue of the endless New Mexican sky. 'They airlifted her in the helicopter from right here,' Mason says, 'and she died in the sky at this exact time.' As Mason continues speaking, images of Halyna Hutchins fill the screen — messing around on a Razor scooter, hiking with her family, riding horseback on the set of 'Rust,' playing on the beach. 'The last time I saw her, we were hiking with our kids. Halyna and I were friends. We were both filmmakers and moms. She came here to Santa Fe and never came back.' Though brief, it is the type of footage one would expect to see at a memorial service, which, in essence, is what this film was supposed to be. 'After Halyna died,' Mason continues, 'her husband Matt asked me to make a film about her life. But,' she adds, 'I realized I couldn't make a film about her life if I didn't understand how she died.' And therein lies the difficulty of any attempt to pay tribute to Hutchins' life without it being overshadowed by the nature of her death, at least for commercial purposes. Tragically, the world knows Hutchins almost solely as the cinematographer who was fatally shot in October 2021 by a live bullet round discharged from a gun held by film star Alec Baldwin during a rehearsal for a scene in 'Rust,' a low-budget western. Her death, and the wounding of director Joel Souza by the same bullet, dominated headlines for months in part because it should have been impossible. Multiple people on any film set are tasked with ensuring that no live ammunition is anywhere near guns used to tell cinematic stories. How it happened has been the subject of deep reporting by journalists, police investigators, forensic specialists, industry safety experts, and a series of criminal and civil court cases. Those who followed that reporting, in The Times or elsewhere, will find little new information in 'Last Take.' But with powerful, previously unseen footage and moving interviews with cast and crew, including some as they finally finish 'Rust' more than two years after Hutchins' death, the film more than makes up for that in context. That especially includes footage and memories of Hutchins. Even if, as Mason admitted in a recent screening, the film was steered in a more sensational direction by those funding it, Hutchins remains the central character. There is no villain in 'Last Take.' From first glance, it is eminently clear that then-24-year-old armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, now serving 18 months for involuntary manslaughter, should never have been hired to oversee the film's many weapons, especially while also serving as prop master. Assistant director David Halls, who appears in the film, was supposed to double-check the weapons; still clearly guilt-stricken, he accepted a plea bargain and was convicted of negligent use of a firearm. Baldwin, who does not appear in the film, had his involuntary manslaughter charge dismissed due to withheld evidence. But it does have a hero. In interview after interview, Hutchins is described, by friend and temporary colleague alike, as an inspired and committed filmmaker and an empathetic boss and co-worker. When speaking of her, they often become emotional, remembering her kindness and dedication. As was first reported in The Times, the day before the shooting, members of the crew had walked off the set citing safety concerns. When Hutchins found out, 'she looked blindsided,' says crew member Jonas Huerta (identified in the film, as all interview subjects are, by only his first name.) 'She said, 'I feel like I'm losing my best friends.'' The departing crew assumed their absence would cause filming to halt while producers dealt with the issues they had raised. Instead, production continued; Hutchins was attempting to make do when she was shot. 'I heard her monitor wasn't working,' says Huerta, his voice shaking, 'and she had to see the frame from the steady cam. … If I was there I could have put her monitor out of harm's way. I always made sure she was out of the danger. Any time the gun was pointed, I would make sure that monitor was safe.' Hutchins was the victim of a series of bad decisions, carelessness and at least one remaining mystery: how live bullets came to be on the set of 'Rust.' 'Last Take' reminds us of what was lost that day in New Mexico: A bright and talented woman, and a beloved mother, wife and friend, who had much of her life and career ahead of her. It also provides a necessary balance, if not antidote, to 'The Baldwins,' a TLC reality show that premiered last month. Showcasing the lives of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin and their seven children, 'The Baldwins' opens in the weeks leading up to Baldwin's criminal trial last summer. Immediately after the shooting, and in the years that followed, he rigorously denied pulling the trigger of the gun that killed Hutchins, and said he was pointing it at Hutchins by her own direction in order to line up the shot on camera. Many, including Hutchins' widower Matthew, felt that Baldwin's refusal to acknowledge any responsibility in Hutchins' death has been both disingenuous and unseemly. Matthew and his son sued Baldwin, reaching an undisclosed settlement nearly a year after the shooting. In 2023, Hutchins' parents and sister also sued the actor, the film's producers and the production company, Rust Movie Productions; lawyers representing the family told the presiding judge they will depose Baldwin in May. None of that is addressed during the first two episodes of 'The Baldwins,' in which the narrative is driven almost entirely by Hilaria Baldwin. Describing the toll the shooting — a word also never used — has taken on her husband, herself and their family, Hilaria Baldwin has a near-manic (she says she has ADHD) determination to make their home life as normal as possible. (I'm not sure exactly how she thought a camera crew would help achieve this.) Baldwin, meanwhile, spends the first two episodes lurching around his spacious Hamptons home in a discernible daze, making random attempts to engage with his children, repeatedly praise his wife, and discuss the negative trajectory of his career all while clearly contemplating the very real possibility of a prison sentence. With seven children under the age of 12, life most certainly had to go on in the Baldwin house, even in the countdown to trial. And no doubt Hilaria has been torn between ministering to her husband and her children. It is not a situation one would wish on their worst enemy. But why the Baldwins, or anyone really, would think that the solution to this was participation in a reality show is beyond me, particularly the decision to film the weeks leading up to the trial. Hutchins is dead and Alec is ... complaining about losing work and having to be digitized for video games? The third episode, which dropped Sunday, offers some clarity if not much in the way of self-awareness. Footage from the trial is prefaced by a brief explanation of the shooting, including pictures of Hutchins and Souza. After a teary-eyed Alec hears the judge dismiss the case, with prejudice, we learn that due to the pending appeal (during which the judge subsequently upheld her original judgment) and the various civil suits, he is not allowed to discuss the case. He is allowed to discuss his feelings, however, which appear to be a cautious sense of relief and a desire to devote himself to raising his children. Hilaria finally gives voice to the obvious — that unlike Hutchins' son, the Baldwin children still have both their parents. But if Baldwin seems content to take one day at a time, his wife wants them to start pushing forward. She encourages her husband to join her in therapy along with, I very much regret to report, 'The Baldwins' camera crew. Baldwin most certainly needs therapy, but it's difficult to think of a more narcissistic, and potentially psychologically damaging, move than to have it filmed for a reality show. Especially when one of Baldwin's first complaints is the toll that living a very public life has taken on him. Here's a thought: Don't do a reality show. With Baldwin unable to discuss the actual source of his obvious trauma — the fact that the gun he held shot and killed Hutchins — what, really, is the point? I certainly don't want to hear any more about how his OCD interacts with Hilaria's ADHD. The fact that they are being paid to do this, with all the trappings of every parents-under-stress reality show, only adds to the air of self-centered exploitation. As Mason says at the beginning of 'Last Take,' Halyna Hutchins went to Santa Fe to make a movie and never came back. That's the reality. Maybe the Baldwins should take a break from filming and watch.
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
New Rust documentary reveals doubts over armorer's ‘little experience' were overlooked due to famous father
Rust first assistant director Dave Halls has said he knew armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was inexperienced, but concerns were 'tempered' by her father being stuntman and film armorer Thell Reed, according to a new documentary. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust and given the maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. Halls was sentenced to six months of unsupervised probation after being charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon. Speaking in the new documentary Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, Halls says, "I knew that she had little experience, but concern over lack of experience was tempered by knowing that her father was Thell Reed." Last Take premieres on Hulu on Tuesday, March 11, and features a new interview with Halls. The movie's director Joel Souza, who was hit by the same bullet fired from Alec Baldwin's weapon as Hutchins, actors Frances Fisher, Josh Hopkins, and Devon Werkheiser, and Hutchins's mother Olga also speak out in the documentary. Gutierrez-Reed, who was 26 at the time, was sentenced last April. During the hearing, she was required to listen to victim impact statements. Gutierrez-Reed, who had maintained her composure throughout almost all of her trial, was brought to tears numerous times as Hutchins' loved ones explained in detail the pain they felt in the aftermath of the fatal shooting in 2021. The family's attorney, Gloria Allred, read a statement in court from Hutchins's mother, Olga Solovey, who lives in Kyiv, Ukraine. Videos of the family were also played. 'Time does not heal, it simply prolongs my pain and suffering,' Allred said, on behalf of Ms Solovey. 'I have hope that the guilty, those that are responsible for the death of my daughter, will be punished fairly and be sentenced justly. Justice must prevail.' Souza also addressed the court, saying that he wished for Hutchins to still be alive and for all of the people affected by the shooting to be at 'peace.' 'I want everyone damaged by Ms Reed's failures that day to find peace ... I want the pain to go away, I want to be the person I was before this happened, and above all I want Halyna to be back with her husband and son in the home she never got to live in,' he said. Gutierrez-Reed stated to the court shortly before her sentencing, saying she hoped those affected by 'this god-awful tragedy' found peace and that she was thankful Souza survived the incident. She also said that Hutchins was and continues to be an inspiration to her.
Los Angeles Times
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Rust' documentary about cinematographer Halyna Hutchins coming to Hulu
A new Hulu documentary will examine the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie 'Rust.' On Oct. 21, 2021, Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the film's New Mexico set. The live round killed Hutchins, 42, and injured director Joel Souza. The new documentary, 'Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna,' will focus on the 'untold human story' from the perspective of the people on set, according to a press release. Directed and produced by Rachel Mason, who also worked on 'Circus of Books' and 'Singularity Song,' the film will weave together witness accounts and include behind-the-scenes material from 'Rust,' court records and Hutchins' personal archives. 'Halyna was dear to me,' Mason said in a statement. 'In the media frenzy which followed her death, it felt as if Halyna was erased, her loss eclipsed by the surrounding controversies. Our film aims to keep her at the center, while offering a portrait of the experience of those with whom she spent her final 12 days, which hopefully, through their efforts, offers the world a very much unfinished portrait of Halyna.' 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter last year for her role in the accidental shooting death. She is currently serving 18 months in prison. In July, Baldwin's criminal case was dismissed after new questions were raised about law enforcement's handling of evidence. The film had its world premiere in November at Poland's EnergaCamerimage international film festival. It was followed by a panel discussion that honored Hutchins and her contributions to the film. Hutchins was originally from Ukraine and earned a graduate degree in international journalism from Kyiv National University. She also attended the American Film Institute and was recognized as one of American Cinematographer's Rising Stars of 2019. She was known for her work on 'Treacle,' 'The Mad Hatter' and 'Archenemy.' 'Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna' premieres March 11 on Hulu.
