If you’re into Westerns or just films that have a larger-than-life backstory, “Rust” is a movie that’s bound to draw attention. On the surface, it’s a classic tale of an outlaw trying to save his family, but this movie has a complicated history — one that involves a tragedy, legal battles, and an incredible cinematographer who tragically lost her life while filming. Let’s take a step back and dive into the strange and multifaceted world of “Rust” — a film where art and reality collided in the most heartbreaking of ways.
The Tragic Incident
It’s hard to talk about “Rust” without acknowledging the tragedy that cast a long shadow over its production. In October 2021, the movie’s star and co-producer Alec Baldwin was involved in a fatal accident on set. Baldwin discharged a prop gun that, unbeknownst to him, contained live ammunition. Halyna Hutchins, the film’s brilliant cinematographer, was fatally shot, and Joel Souza, the film’s writer and director, was injured. It was an unimaginable tragedy that left many shaken and questioning how something like this could have happened on a professional set.
The incident didn’t just put the production on hold. It also led to legal battles, including civil and criminal charges. Baldwin and other members of the crew faced serious scrutiny. However, Baldwin’s case was ultimately dismissed, while others involved — like the first assistant director who handed Baldwin the gun — pled guilty to unsafe handling of a firearm. The armorer, who was responsible for the guns on set, was sentenced to 18 months for involuntary manslaughter. But even as these legal cases unfolded, production on the film was given the go-ahead to resume, with Hutchins’ widower, Matthew, even receiving a producer credit.
And though the film may have finished, it was clear that “Rust” was not just a film. It had become a cultural symbol of the dangers of firearms on film sets, an example of art and reality blurring in a way that nobody could have predicted.
The Cinematography: A High Point of the Film
Despite the cloud of tragedy, “Rust” had one undeniable strength — its cinematography. The late Halyna Hutchins was widely regarded as a rising star in the film industry, and her work on “Rust” was a testament to her incredible talent. The film is a visual feast, using wide shots and striking landscapes to capture the essence of the Western genre. There’s an art to creating a Western, and Hutchins nailed it with her use of silhouettes, lens flares, and evocative images of the rugged outdoors.
Her cinematography recalls some of the great Western films of the past. It’s like a masterclass in how to honor the genre while also bringing something fresh to the table. Whether it’s the stark landscapes reminiscent of John Ford’s work or the smoky, amber-lit interiors nodding to classics like McCabe and Mrs. Miller, Hutchins captured something magical on film. The movie may have been flawed in other ways, but you can’t deny the brilliance of her visuals. It’s a tragic irony that she’s no longer with us to continue this extraordinary work.
The Story: An Old West Tale with New Layers
At its heart, Rust is a Western — and a road movie, too. The film follows Lucas Hollister (played by Patrick Scott McDermott), a 12-year-old boy who finds himself in a heap of trouble after accidentally shooting a neighboring farmer. This sets off a chain of events that ends with Lucas being sentenced to death by hanging. Enter his grandfather, Harlan Rust (Alec Baldwin), a tough-as-nails outlaw who sets off to rescue his grandson. Together, they make their way through the Old West, trying to avoid the law and make it to Mexico.
The movie has an interesting structure, with three storylines that intersect as the narrative unfolds. First, there’s the father-son bond between Rust and Lucas, which serves as the emotional core of the film. Then there’s the storyline of the local sheriff, Wood Helm (played by Josh Hopkins), who is grappling with a crisis of faith after the death of his son. The sheriff’s struggle adds depth to the film and gives it a layer of existential exploration.
Finally, there’s the bounty hunter plotline, which adds a dose of tension and danger to the mix. The bounty hunter, known only as Preacher (played by Travis Fimmel), is a chilling antagonist. His character has shades of the classic villain, Harry Powell, from The Night of the Hunter — a preacher with a dark side. Fimmel brings a disturbing energy to the role, making Preacher one of the more memorable characters in the film.
Alec Baldwin’s Performance: A Missed Opportunity?
One of the biggest points of contention surrounding “Rust” is Alec Baldwin’s casting as Harlan Rust, the tough outlaw. Now, Baldwin is a talented actor, no doubt, but his portrayal of the hardened, world-weary Rust just doesn’t quite land. There’s something off about his casting. The character of Rust is meant to be a rough-around-the-edges kind of guy, someone who commands respect. But Baldwin’s portrayal doesn’t quite embody that energy.
The film offers a line of dialogue explaining that Rust grew up in Chicago, which is meant to explain why he doesn’t have the typical Western vibe. However, even with this context, Baldwin doesn’t quite bring the right “Old West” feeling to the role. When he delivers lines like, “This ain’t no game, boy. I say we ride, we ride,” it comes off as more awkward than authoritative. It’s a tough pill to swallow when the lead actor’s performance pulls you out of the otherwise engaging narrative.
The Western That Struggles with Identity
Another criticism of “Rust” is its struggle with identity. The movie can’t decide whether it wants to be a gritty, down-and-dirty indie Western or a slick, polished Hollywood blockbuster. On one hand, there are moments that feel real and grounded, with characters who feel like they belong in the rough and unforgiving landscape of the Old West. But then, there are other moments where the movie leans into a more theatrical, almost exaggerated approach to storytelling.
The scenes often feel like they could have been lifted from a more conventional Hollywood Western, with emotional monologues and over-the-top action moments. For example, in one scene, a single shot from a revolver sends a man flying backward as if he’d been hit by a freight train. It’s this inconsistency that makes the film feel disjointed at times. Is it trying to be an authentic portrayal of the Old West, or is it playing into the fantasy and spectacle of Hollywood Westerns?
Strong Performances and Moments
While Baldwin’s performance falls flat, there are some standout moments in the film. Patrick Scott McDermott, who plays Lucas, is a revelation. He brings a rawness and emotional depth to the role of a young boy who’s forced to grow up too quickly. You can see the burden he carries, and you believe in his determination to survive. His chemistry with Baldwin’s Rust gives the film the emotional heart it desperately needs.
Other notable performances come from Frances Fisher, who plays a mysterious woman who claims to be Lucas’s aunt, and Xander Berkeley, who delivers an unforgettable turn as a bully with a sense of eccentric confidence. These performances provide some much-needed balance to the otherwise uneven film.
A Tragic Legacy
As we look at “Rust” today, it’s impossible to ignore the tragic legacy that overshadows the film. The loss of Halyna Hutchins is something that can never be undone, and the film will forever be linked to that moment of heartbreak. Alec Baldwin, for his part, has been criticized for his handling of the tragedy, particularly for framing it as a personal tragedy without showing the kind of deep empathy and sorrow one would expect after such an event. His reluctance to truly acknowledge the loss of Hutchins has left many feeling unsettled.
Even the film’s creator, Joel Souza, has expressed regret over making “Rust” at all, acknowledging that the experience was incredibly painful and difficult. It’s clear that for many involved, the film became a symbol of a painful chapter in their lives.
Conclusion: A Film of Mixed Legacy
“Rust” is a movie that’s hard to categorize. On one hand, it’s a Western that borrows from the best of the genre, with stunning cinematography and a memorable antagonist. On the other hand, it’s a film weighed down by tragedy, miscasting, and a struggle for identity. While it may have moments of brilliance, it’s also a reminder of the dangers that come with handling firearms on a set. And, in the end, it’s a painful reminder that sometimes, no matter how good the art is, it just isn’t worth the cost of a life.
