Rust: The Day so Much Changed For so Many

INTRODUCTION

Rust: The Day so Much Changed For so Many, is an article whose primary purpose is to provide background information regarding the Western indie movie Rust and the tragedy that took place on October 21, 2021, where Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot and subsequently died from her injuries.  This article is linked to the “Rust Shooting Case:  Timeline & Updates” article, that follows the case from the time the charges were issued and will be continuously updated with new information as it becomes available.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

Back in May of 2020 it was announced that Emmy and Golden Globe awards winner Alec Baldwin had signed on to produce and star in an action/western film called Rust.  The movie is based on a story crafted by Baldwin and Joel Souza.  Souza wrote the screenplay and would direct the picture.  The principle cast includes the following:

• Alec Baldwin plays the infamous outlaw, Harland Rust.
• Brady Noon plays Harland’s grandson, Lucas.
• Frances Fisher plays Lucas’ great aunt.
• Jensen Ackles plays the legendary U.S. Marshal, Wood Helm.
• Travis Fimmel plays the bounty-hunter Fenton “Preacher” Lang.

Rust Cast and Crew-Courtesy IMDB

Rust is a movie inspired by the question; who is the youngest person to ever be hanged in the American West?  The plot of the movie, circa 1880’s, follows a western outlaw by the name of Harland Rust (Baldwin), who has a bounty on his head and a reputation for being ruthless.  When he learns that his thirteen-year-old grandson Lucas (Noon), has been imprisoned and is sentenced to hang for the accidental death of a local rancher, he travels to Kansas to break him out of prison.  Together, the two fugitives must outrun the legendary U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Ackles), and bounty-hunter Fenton “Preacher” Lang (Fimmel), who are in hot pursuit.  Deeply buried secrets come to the fore and an unexpected familial bond begins to take shape between grandfather and grandson as they fight to survive the merciless American frontier.

According to a press release from the New Mexico Film Office, Rust began filming in October of 2021.

THE DAY SO MUCH CHANGED FOR SO MANY

The date was October 21, 2021.  As best as can be pieced together, the stage was set for this tragedy when, at the Bonanza Creek filming location in Santa Fe, New Mexico, there is an old church where outlaw Harland Rust hides out while his nemesis, U.S. Marshal Wood Helm lurks outside awaiting confrontation.  To get close-up shots for the filming of this scene, members of the filming crew, Halyna Hutchins in particular, is in very close proximity of Baldwin, who is handed a “cold gun” (a weapon prop containing no ammunition).  As Baldwin pulls back on the hammer of the FD Pietta Long Colt .45 revolver in his hand, Hutchins continues to examine camera shots and angles.  When Baldwin lets go of the hammer of the gun, it goes off.

From the chaos and pandemonium that followed, it was revealed that a live round from the gun in Baldwin’s hand fired toward those closest to him, Director Joel Souza and Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Ms. Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.  Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he underwent treatment for his injuries and was released.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

The immediate effects of this tragedy resulted in film production being halted, while steps were taken so all those involved could fully cooperate with authorities during their investigation.  Counselling services were extended to everyone connected with the film, to help them process and cope with the ordeal.

News coverage of this tragedy trended immediately.  Heartfelt admiration for Halyna Hutchins and her skills and talents as a Cinematographer flooded news and social media outlets.  Immediately, many offered their well-wishes and support to buoy her friends, her colleagues, and her husband and son grieving from such loss.

In the aftermath of the shooting, a ripple effect of activity took place, including the following:

• The Rust production company launched an internal safety review.
• The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau opened an investigation.
• Industry contemporaries stepped up to ban “live guns” on their sets.
• The American Film Institute established a memorial scholarship in Halyna Hutchins name.
• The International Cinematographers Guild set up a “Go Fund Me” page for the Hutchins family.
• A candlelight vigil was held at the Albuquerque Civic Plaza in remembrance of Halyna Hutchins.
• A petition was launched to ban real guns on film sets.
• Accusations surfaced about on-set negligence, lack of professionalism, and cost-cutting measures impacting safety.
• Speculations popped up regarding possible sabotage.

THE LEGAL FALL OUT

At the time of the investigation being conducted by the New Mexico authorities, a whole litany of law suits began to swirl around those at the center of this tragedy, including the following:

• Rust Productions, Armorer and First Assistant Director sued for “General Negligence” by Rust Gaffer Serge Svetnoy.
• Another lawsuit was filed by Mamie Mitchell, Rust’s Script Supervisor.
• Rust Armorer sues ammunition supplier.
• Halyna Hutchins Estate sues Alec Baldwin and Rust Production for Wrongful Death.
• Rust Production company fined $136,793.00 by New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau.
• Alec Baldwin sues Rust crew for Negligence.
• Halyna Hutchins’ parents and sister sue Alec Baldwin for Negligence.
• Crew members Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin and Reese Price sue Alec Baldwin and Rust Production company for Negligent and Reckless conduct.
• Rust assistant director Dave Halls counter-sues Baldwin and other crew members.

THE CHARGES

On October 27, 2022, the Santa Fe’s Sheriff’s office delivered its report to New Mexico’s district attorney.  This resulted in an announcement on January 19th, 2023, that actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were being charged with involuntary manslaughter.  David Halls, the first assistant director for the film accepted a plea deal, the details of which have not been released.

WHAT FOLLOWS

This article is linked to the “Rust Shooting Case:  Timeline & Updates” article, that follows the case from the time the charges were issued.