Alec Baldwin Western Rust Releases First Look After Tragic On-Set Death
The much-anticipated first images from the Western starring Alec Baldwin, Rust, have been released. The stills offer a poignant glimpse into the visual narrative shaped by the late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who tragically died on set. The release of the stills from the film, directed and written by Joel Souza, constitutes a momentous juncture in the film’s troubled production history.
Aesthetically, the images are fantastic.
Frances Fisher as Lucas
One, a triumph of contrast and brilliant lighting, features actress Frances Fisher in a 19th-century dress, centered in the frame and surrounded by stark shadow, yet bathed wonderfully in light.
The Lone Rider
In another image of the upcoming Alec Baldwin Western, Rust, a lone rider crosses a plane. Darkness obscures the earth below him in compelling gloom, while the sky above, clearly shot during the daytime, is awash with engaging, almost startling light. The visual suggests a profound artistic sensibility, evoking influences as robust as the surrealist and master of dreamlike contrast, painter René Magritte.
Cinematographer Bianca Cline Takes Over
All the unveiled photos showcase Hutchins’s distinct and compelling visual aesthetic. Each function as a vibrant testament to her artistic vision and technical prowess. The above image was taken by cinematographer Bianca Cline, who took over after Hutchins’s death.
Halyna Hutchins’s Tragic Death
As many will know, tragedy marred and made notorious the film’s journey to completion, leading to a criminal charge for Alec Baldwin and the massive delay of Rust’s production. During a rehearsal on the film’s New Mexico set in October 2021, a bullet was unintentionally discharged from a prop gun held by Baldwin, striking and fatally wounding Hutchins. The malfunction also injured Souza, the film’s director.In the wake of the incident, the project’s production was halted for 18 months. It would later resume in April of 2023 in Montana’s Yellowstone Film Ranch. DP Bianca Cline would take over Hutchins’ role.
Patric Scott McDermott As Lucas Hollister
Outwardly a true-blue Western, the film relates the tale of a young boy, Lucas Hollister, played by Patrick Scott McDermott, who joins his estranged grandfather, Alec Baldwin, on a perilous journey through Rust’s vision of 1880s Kansas.
The narrative involves heavy themes, welcome in the genre: survival, justice, and the burden of familial legacy—all painted against the evocative, albeit raw, backdrop of America’s wild frontier.
In an exceptional and touching turn of events, Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, has signed onto the project as an executive producer. The development highlights the considerate and collaborative ethos undergirding the production, a production demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Alongside Matthew Hutchins, the film benefits from Grant Hill’s veteran production duties. In addition to Alec Baldwin’s Rust, his impressive resume includes projects like the Matrix action franchise, Tree of Life, and Titanic. The new set was erected a year after the original and understandably emphasized safety. It involved the work of safety officers Gary Jensen and Paul Jordan.
Alec Baldwin’s Legal Challenges Continue
Meanwhile, the complex legal aftermath of Hutchins’ death is ongoing. Many will remember that, in the initial wake of the tragedy, Baldwin faced involuntary manslaughter charges—alongside armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
However, in April 2023, the charges against Baldwin were dropped. Still, his legal challenges might not have technically ended there, as New Mexico special prosecutors were reportedly considering recharging the actor. Ultimately, however, no further developments eventuated.
As of now, only Gutierrez-Reed faces charges. The armorer pleaded not guilty, and her trial is set for February. Understandably, both Alec Baldwin and Rust accrued significant notoriety following the fatal accident on set.
The tragedy surrounding the film’s production aside, the images released demonstrate the tremendous talent of Halyna Hutchins, an enormously gifted artist, and beloved mother and wife gone too soon.
