The premiere of the film *Rust* took place at the Camerimage International Film Festival in Torun, Poland, marking a significant moment three years after a tragic incident on set. The film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, lost her life during filming in New Mexico when actor Alec Baldwin discharged a weapon during a rehearsal, mistakenly believing it was loaded with dummy rounds. Hutchins, a talented cinematographer originally from Ukraine, had been a supporter of the festival and had attended it before, making the event a poignant tribute in her honor.
The festival organizers in Torun chose to present *Rust* as a homage to Hutchins, with her memory strongly resonating throughout the event. Unfortunately, Baldwin, who faces considerable scrutiny due to the incident, was neither invited nor present at the screening. Joel Souza, the film’s writer and director who was injured during the shooting, expressed to the BBC that there were moments when he could not fathom returning to a set, overwhelmed by the pain of loss. However, after speaking with Hutchins’ husband, Matt, he felt compelled to see the film through to completion, recognizing the importance this project held in honoring Hutchins’ legacy.
Despite the intention behind the film’s premiere, it was met with criticism from some quarters. Notable cinematographers from Hollywood have described the screening as disrespectful to Hutchins. Additionally, Olga Solovey, Hutchins’ mother, was not in attendance either and, through legal representation, communicated her discontent with the event, seeing it as a means for profit derived from her daughter’s tragedy. She elaborated on feelings of pain exacerbated by Baldwin’s refusal to acknowledge his part in the incident or offer an apology.
The incident itself, which occurred in October 2021, not only ended Hutchins’ life but also injured Souza. The circumstances surrounding how a live round ended up in the gun remain unclear, adding a layer of complexity to an already tragic narrative. A judge dismissed an earlier manslaughter case against Baldwin due to complications involving evidence, while the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, faces a different fate, having been convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Set against the backdrop of 1882 Wyoming, *Rust* tells a compelling story about a young boy who accidentally kills a rancher and subsequently goes on the run with his grandfather, played by Baldwin. The film pays homage to classic westerns and embarks on a journey imbued with themes of regret and redemption.
Before the screening, Rachel Mason, a friend of Hutchins, noted the hardships faced by the crew during filming, as many feared the stigma attached to working on *Rust* could hinder their future careers. However, she recounted how crew members eventually returned to complete the work, understanding its significance for Hutchins’ family. The film not only represents artistry but highlights the emotional bonds and friendships woven into the fabric of its creation.
Following the premiere, mixed reactions from audiences surfaced, particularly concerning Baldwin’s role in the film which constantly reminded viewers of the tragic incident. While some found the film engaging and a worthy homage, others struggled to separate the artwork from the artist’s controversy. Spadone, a representative for Rust Movie Productions, responded to the criticisms, asserting that the festival was about celebrating cinematographic talent and declaring that financial gain was not a motivation for those involved in completing Hutchins’ film.
The mixed reception to *Rust* encapsulates the ongoing complexities surrounding the tragedy, the grief shared by those close to Hutchins, and the attempts to honor her legacy through unfinished artistic endeavors. This premiere stands as a confluence of celebration, remembrance, and an acknowledgment of the myriad emotions associated with loss within the filmmaking community.
