Joel Souza opens up about the ‘Rust’ tragedy and moving forward
A director’s harrowing experience
In a candid interview, Joel Souza, the director of the film Rust, shared his first-hand account of the tragic shooting incident that occurred on set in October 2021. The incident involved a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin, which discharged a live bullet, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and serious injury to Souza himself. Reflecting on the event, Souza described the surreal experience of being shot and the complex emotions that followed.
The moment of impact
Souza was standing behind Hutchins, directing a scene, when the gun fired. The bullet struck Hutchins in the chest and then hit Souza in the shoulder. Describing the sensation, Souza said, ”It felt like a horse kicked me in the shoulder or someone hit me with a bat.” The impact left the right side of his body numb and in excruciating pain simultaneously. “I staggered back and was either on my knees or on my ass—just yelling. I don’t even know what the hell I was yelling,” he recalled.
A close call with death
The bullet narrowly missed Souza’s lung and stopped just short of his spine, creating a large bump under his skin. When asked if he felt grateful to be alive, Souza’s response was unexpectedly somber. “No, I wasn’t,” he admitted. He recounted going to sleep that night, hoping he wouldn’t wake up the next morning, as the emotional toll of the incident weighed heavily on him.
Legal aftermath and justice
The shooting led to a series of legal cases that concluded recently. First assistant director Dave Halls accepted a plea bargain for a misdemeanor charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case was dismissed when it was found that authorities had withheld evidence. When asked if he believed justice was served, Souza expressed uncertainty. “No one feels good about someone going to jail. If you feel good about that, take a hard look in the mirror,” he said.
The decision to finish the film
Despite the tragedy, Souza decided to return to the set to complete Rust. Initially, he rejected the idea, feeling that he might never work in the industry again. However, the desire to honor Hutchins’ legacy and support her family financially motivated him to continue. “Her last work matters. People seeing her last work matters,” Souza emphasized.
A new beginning with a new cinematographer
To move forward, a new cinematographer, Biana Cline, from Hutchins’ circle, took over. The scene being filmed during the fatal shooting was cut entirely and reimagined. “Everything needed to be entirely reconceived,” Souza explained. The goal was to ensure that no one watching the film would be reminded of the tragedy.
Relationship with Alec Baldwin
When asked about his relationship with Baldwin during the second shoot, Souza described it as professional but distant. “We’re not friends. We’re not enemies. There’s no relationship,” he stated. The focus was on completing the film and achieving the desired performance.
The future of ‘Rust’
Rust has been finished since March, but it has yet to be shopped to distributors. Souza hopes that when the film is eventually released, the audience will appreciate Hutchins’ talent rather than focus on the tragedy that took her life. “As a cinematographer, Halyna should have been out of my reach if this business made any sense,” Souza said, highlighting her exceptional skills and potential.
Final thoughts
The Rust tragedy has left an indelible mark on everyone involved. For cinema enthusiasts, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety on set. It also underscores the profound impact that behind-the-scenes professionals like Hutchins have on the art of filmmaking. As we await the release of Rust, let us remember and honor the talent and dedication of those who bring stories to life on the big screen.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Rust.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and personal perspective on the Rust tragedy, offering insights and reflections for cinema and TV series enthusiasts. By including direct links to trailers and additional resources, readers can further explore the context and impact of this significant event in the film industry.