Director of ‘Rust’ Documentary Reflects on Halyna Hutchins’ Death: ‘I’ve Changed My Whole Idea of What Justice Means’

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On Tuesday, the new documentary titled “Last Take: Rust and the Tragedy of Halyna” will debut on Hulu. This film delves into the 2021 on-set gun accident that tragically took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins while working on the independent film “Rust.” The documentary is directed by Rachel Mason, a close friend of Halyna.

Hutchins is affectionately recalled in the documentary as a friend, spouse, parent, and aspiring camerawoman. The unfortunate incident took place when Alec Baldwin’s prop gun accidentally discharged a live bullet during filming on October 21, 2021. The movie features conversations with those present at the time, subsequent legal battles, criminal trials, and investigations into safety procedures on set that were overlooked.

Last week’s event, an FYC gathering that also delved into the topic of Hutchins, showcased a preliminary look at the documentarian work. The event further discussed the complexities involved in narrating such a prominent tale. During the question-and-answer session, Joel Souza – the director of “Rust” who was also injured during the accident and participated in the documentary – expressed his wishes for more insights about Halyna, stating, “I had hoped it might include a bit more of Halyna, or more about Halyna.

During the panel, along with “Last Take” director Mason (“Circus of Books”) and producer Julee Metz, another friend of Hutchins commented, “I understood that was your original plan when we discussed it, and over the years I could sense the pressures you were facing.

Metz explained his thoughts by stating that Mason “had a very distinct plan to portray Hutchins’ life, work, and even her demise, since that’s where the narrative started. However, as we brought in additional collaborators for this project, it became evident that the tale of ‘Rust’ had commercial potential, which needed to be incorporated into our narrative. Consequently, I believe the focus shifted more towards Hutchins’ death rather than her life.

It seemed that many spectators were acquainted with Halyna or connected to “Rust.” During the showing, there was a exchange of stories regarding the cinematographer and mother, along with some emotional moments. Mason remarked, as he introduced the documentary, “I see some of her close friends among you in this audience today. This film, I believe, brings me, at least, and others perhaps, somewhat closer to understanding, but it won’t truly make sense. I don’t think we’ll ever fully comprehend the sorrow and pain of losing someone we all valued so deeply.

The production titled ‘LastTake’ was jointly created by Story Syndicate, Anonymous Content, Concordia Studio, and FutureClown Productions. Matthew Hutchins, Halyna’s husband, serves as an executive producer. It is notable that Halyna Hutchins was credited for her cinematography work; this, according to Mason, was a demand she made personally.

Mason talked with EbMaster about the production:

What do you hope people will take away from this documentary?

I sincerely wish people can fully grasp the extraordinary nature of Halyna Hutchins, her brilliance, the immense promise she held, and the fact that her talent was taken away from us prematurely.

In the documentary, they’ve included video from the accident site and interviews with Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who were questioned by law enforcement at the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Was there any material you pondered over, considering its potential impact on sensitivity?

In making this movie, each scene was thoroughly discussed for its ethical implications and what felt appropriate. There was an ongoing conversation about maintaining sensitivity throughout the process.

What drove the decision to show Alec Baldwin getting the news that Halyna had died?

From a personal standpoint, I found Alec’s response mirrored my own feelings, and I couldn’t comprehend such an event occurring, it was almost unbearable, a true nightmare. The way we handled the shot was intended to make it deeply impactful, aiming for a level of realism and rawness that would let viewers experience the same pain we felt. This was our intention when using that extremely distressing and sensitive footage.

Will this documentary likely be utilized, or are you optimistic that it will be used, for ongoing discussions about on-set safety within the community?

Indeed, I truly hope this discussion encourages a broader conversation about workplace safety, not just within the entertainment industry, but across all sectors. Tragically, deaths have occurred on sets, and they’ve been happening long before Halyna’s passing – not always involving celebrities. Consequently, while many outside our community may not be aware of these incidents, it’s crucial to remember that each life lost is a person with loved ones who grieve deeply, just as we mourn for Halyna. It’s a terrible reality.

However, I’d like to emphasize that similar workplace accidents can be equally distressing. At the heart of these incidents, in my opinion, lies a problem with communication. There are instances where communication fails, and one effective solution I’ve discovered is the use of a ‘stop work order’. In various workplaces beyond the film industry, if someone feels that a situation is dangerously unsafe, they have the right to request a stop work order. I fervently hope that such a practice could be integrated into our industry, as I strongly believe that future accidents might not stem from guns.

“Were there any unexpected discoveries or insights that emerged while conducting your research for this project and creating the film?”

I can personally attest to Halyna’s passion for working on ‘Rust’, as I had direct access to her notebooks and personal digital devices such as her iPhone and iCloud account, where I could see her messages. It was evident that she truly enjoyed the work, and this was clear from her dedication and focus on set. Although every film set can be challenging, it was particularly tough for Halyna, but still, she found a way to thrive in it.

What impact did Matt Hutchins’ role as executive producer have on the narrative’s course?

It was Matt who took the initiative to produce this movie, and he asked me to take the helm. Thus, throughout the process, I stood behind Matt in fostering his ambition. I think it was Matt’s belief that the project required someone trustworthy to complete, which, I believe, sparked the entire endeavor. Matt, in my opinion, felt it necessary for a reliable individual to bring the project to fruition.

Did you reach out to Alec Baldwin for an interview?

I attempted to connect with Alec, not solely for an interview purpose, but more as a casual form of communication. However, he was engrossed in his personal projects and wasn’t able to partake.

Do you have thoughts on Alec Baldwin’s reality series?

I’m well aware of it, but I haven’t taken the time to watch it yet. To be honest, I’ve been so engrossed in completing this movie that I haven’t had a moment to spare for anything else.

As of where we are right now, do you think justice was served?

After experiencing this, my definition of justice has undergone a significant shift, as true justice for me would be Halyna’s return. I am profoundly upset that she is gone, and it seems senseless to me. Therefore, any measures that might help prevent an accident in the future and bring about a sense of justice are what I yearn for.

I simply felt sadness. It doesn’t feel like justice because my friend isn’t here.

(This interview was edited for length and clarity.)

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2025-03-12 02:47