Rust Director Joel Souza Breaks Silence on Tragic Shooting

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As a seasoned filmmaker with years of experience under my belt, I can deeply empathize with what Carlos Souza is going through. The loss of a colleague, especially one as talented and full of life as Halyna Hutchins, is a tragedy that no artist ever wants to face.

Joel Souza, director of Alec Baldwin’s upcoming Western, has chosen to address the unfortunate events that transpired on his set back in October 2021. During the filming of Souza’s movie titled Rust, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins tragically lost her life when Baldwin accidentally discharged a firearm during a rehearsal for a gunfight sequence. Souza himself was also hurt in this unfortunate incident that has been extensively analyzed by many for three long years. Now, Souza has decided to share his thoughts on the matter.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Souza has broken his silence since the Rust incident, sharing insights into his friendship with Hutchins, Baldwin’s demeanor on set, and the upcoming completion of the film. Souza seems to have undergone a significant transformation in his views, as evidenced by his fresh perspective. The movie is scheduled for release at some point in the future.

“When I say something has left me shattered, I’m not referring to external circumstances like my job or career. Instead, it’s as if the very essence of who I am has been altered or lost.”

Souza continues:

“It’s not as if I was the same person who had feelings for him beforehand, but it seems like a new individual has taken my place after that event. One day I didn’t understand certain aspects of the world, and the next, I do – and none of these insights are positive.”

Director Joel Souza Addresses the Rust Incident: “It Felt Like Someone Hit Me With a Bat”

I ponder over an unfortunate event during rehearsal when a prop gun, which should never have had a live round, accidentally discharged. Tragically, Hutchins suffered fatal injuries, while the bullet also struck me deeply.

“It’s quite strange to have been shot and then wonder who pulled the trigger. Reminds me of a moment from my childhood, when I would watch movies like ‘The Hunt for Red October.’ It’s as if your future self is nudging your past self, saying, ‘Remember that person? Well, life can lead you down some pretty peculiar paths.'”

Souza also speaks about the false rumors spread by websites regarding the live rounds:

“On that particular day, I believe a certain website reported that people were firing at targets during lunchtime. This struck me as odd because gunshots are audible and I never heard any. The police also mentioned they hadn’t found any proof of it. Since then, I haven’t come across anything convincing enough to make me think it actually occurred. It seems like information spreads quickly, but without accuracy. Regardless of whether something enhances or tarnishes our image, what matters most is truthfulness. There was a lack of truth in much of the information circulating about this incident. If it had happened, it would have been a terrible event, but that’s not what transpired.”

Joel Souza Remembers Halyna Hutchins

Souza did not provide many details about the event when it happened, and he hasn’t done so since then. It’s possible that an investigation was taking place at the time, which might be the reason for his silence, but now his focus appears to be on honoring Hutchins’ memory instead.

As a film enthusiast, I must say Halyna possessed an extraordinary positivity that was truly captivating. Her unique approach to life transformed everything into art. Listening to her speak about her son and husband filled me with warmth and admiration. It struck me as remarkable, and I yearned to collaborate with her on a visual level, aiming for a true artistic partnership.

The director also speaks about Hutchins’ role in Rust and their relationship with Baldwin:

1. “She was extremely enthusiastic about the project. Those closer to her confirmed that she often spoke passionately about it. As a cinematographer, Halyna seemed beyond my league in terms of expertise if the industry followed any logic… Anyone who collaborated with her was well aware of her skills and talents.”

Souza continues:

“We, along with Alec, enjoyed dinner at Geronimo in Santa Fe. It was one of those special evenings dining with Alec Baldwin… He seemed to be the center of attention… There was a moment when we simply sat in the car for a couple of minutes without speaking, and she remarked, ‘That was quite extraordinary.’ I believe he was equally impressed by her.”

He also reveals his reaction to Hutchins’ tragic death:

“I discovered something significant while I was in the emergency room at the hospital, quite some time later. The revelation left me feeling utterly desolate, almost indescribably so.”

As a movie enthusiast, I can share that the film we’ve all been anticipating has wrapped up production. Following Baldwin’s acquittal in court, Souza chose to complete this project not due to any legal ties but out of his personal commitment and passion for cinema.

“The people that have money on the line—I don’t give a damn if they ever get a penny or not. It was a long time afterward that somebody floated the idea of: Would you be willing to come back? The answer was no. No, no, no, no. Never ever. In fact, there was a very long period of time where I thought I was just done ever doing this for a living…I knew that the movie being finished would financially benefit Halyna’s family, which is very important to me. And I know this can sound trite for people who aren’t’ creative, but her last work matters. People seeing her last work matters. That was the tipping point for me in the decision.”

As a devoted cinephile, I can verify that the crucial scene initially planned, along with all its preceding elements, have been completely removed from the final cut.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, the storyline required a complete overhaul in its conception. Certain elements that were initially included no longer aligned with the narrative flow. Consequently, we chose to scrap those parts and create something entirely fresh. I have no intention of revisiting the old. I’m relieved you asked. I wouldn’t want any viewer to anticipate the previous elements. There was never any insistence to preserve anything similar to that.

Rust
does not yet have a release date or a US distributor.

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2024-08-15 23:02