Quentin Tarantino’s take on Alec Baldwin and the ’Rust’ incident
A conversation on responsibility and safety
Quentin Tarantino recently shared his thoughts on the tragic incident involving Alec Baldwin on the set of “Rust” during an appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast. The discussion revolved around the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, a topic that has sparked significant debate in Hollywood and beyond.
The weight of responsibility
Tarantino, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, emphasized that while the armorer holds the majority of the responsibility, actors also share a portion of the burden. “The armorer, the person who hands the gun, is 90% responsible for everything that happens with that gun,” Tarantino stated. “But the actor is 10% responsible. It’s a gun! You are a partner in the responsibility to some degree.”
This perspective highlights the importance of due diligence on set, especially when handling potentially dangerous props. Tarantino, who has extensive experience with firearms in his films, stressed that actors should be thoroughly shown the guns they are to use before filming begins. “If there are steps to go through, you go through them. It’s done with due diligence, and you know it’s for real.”
Ensuring safety on set
Tarantino elaborated on the proper procedures for handling guns on set, underscoring the necessity of clear communication and verification. “Here is how an actor can handle it,” he explained. “If he went through the steps that he was supposed to go through… Like the barrel is clear, they show you the barrel is clear and that there is nothing wedged in there. They actually show you the barrel. And then they show you some version of ‘here are the blanks and here is the gun.’ Now it’s ready to go.”
The tragic incident on the “Rust” set, which resulted in the conviction of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and a plea bargain for first assistant director Dave Halls, underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols. Baldwin, initially prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter, saw his case dismissed when it was revealed that authorities had withheld evidence.
The debate over real vs. fake guns
Bill Maher posed a question that has been on many minds: why not use fake guns and rely on VFX for the gunshots and sounds? This approach has gained traction in Hollywood, with figures like Dwayne Johnson committing to using “rubber guns” in all productions under his Seven Bucks Productions banner.
Tarantino, however, expressed a different viewpoint. “I guess I can add digital erections to porno movies, but who wants to watch that?” he quipped, highlighting his preference for the authenticity of real blanks and the visual impact of genuine gunfire. “It’s exciting to shoot the blanks and to see the orange, the real orange fire, not add orange fire.”
Reflecting on past incidents
Tarantino pointed out that despite the high number of firearms used in films, incidents like the “Rust” shooting and the death of Brandon Lee on the set of “The Crow” are rare. “For as many guns as we’ve shot off in movies, we only have two examples of people being shot on the set by a gun mishap,” he noted. “That’s a pretty good record.”
This reflection serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in filmmaking and the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards to prevent such tragedies.
Listen to the full interview
For those interested in hearing more from Tarantino, the full interview is available on the “Club Random” podcast.
For more insights into the world of cinema and TV series, check out the trailers and information pages for some of Tarantino’s iconic films:
These links provide a deeper dive into the cinematic masterpieces that have defined Tarantino’s career and offer a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into his films.