Rust

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Watching “Rust” feels heavy with the persistent thought about the untimely demise of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Her absence is profound, and I hope this unfortunate incident serves as a turning point for improving safety standards within the industry. It brings me great pleasure to share that both Hutchins’ work, along with Bianca Cline who took over when filming resumed, is nothing short of exceptional. “Rust” is a masterfully crafted Western, offering stunning landscapes, intricate characters, and a profound exploration of human nature. The line between heroes and villains is blurred, as those swearing loyalty to the divine are found to be less compassionate than the assumed cold-blooded killer.

1882 found young Lucas Hollister (Patrick Scott McDermott), aged 13, occupied with daily tasks on a secluded Wyoming homestead. The air was crisp and filled with snowflakes as he tended to his lean livestock – horses and pigs. Waking his younger brother Jacob (Easton Malcolm) for the morning meal, Lucas knew there wouldn’t be enough sustenance for both of them. He went without food while keeping a watchful eye on a wolf that lurked ominously near their late parents’ graves.

‘Rust’ Surpasses Expectations

In a more readable and natural way, we could rephrase the given sentence as follows:

Lucas doesn’t appreciate it when Charles Gantry’s sons pick on Jacob. His tough reaction results in an unexpected visit from them later. Gantry insists that Lucas compensate for the injured boy’s work he owes.

In a cell, Lucas remains detained. The question now arises about Jacob’s fate. Entering the scene is Evelyn Basset, Lucas’ supposed aunt by marriage, portrayed by Frances Fisher. Why didn’t he ever encounter her? Her attempts to secure a lawyer for Lucas have been rejected. With a stern and sharp demeanor, she expresses regret for not being able to aid him. However, she is too advanced in age to take care of Jacob as well. Unfortunate as it may be, Lucas resigns himself to his harsh destiny along with that of his cherished younger brother. Meanwhile, on their homestead, an old outlaw gazes upon the grave of his greatest disappointment. It’s time for the legendary Harland Rust (Alec Baldwin) to claim his grandson.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that “Rust” is a gripping character-driven tale skillfully unfolded amidst an exhilarating chase across the vast southwestern wilderness, as penned by director/screenwriter Joel Souza (known for “Crown Vic”). Instead of focusing solely on Lucas and Harland, the story also delves into the complex relationships between them and the motley crew of law enforcement personnel hot on their trail. This group can be categorized into two types: relentless pursuers.

Marshall Wood Helm (portrayed by Josh Hopkins) is a dedicated investigator who metes out unwavering justice, but his shattered faith has left him emotionally drained and spiritually empty. On the other hand, Fenton “Preacher” Lang (Travis Fimmel), plays the role of an unforgiving and terrifying figure who sees himself as a harbinger of death, fueled by his absolute conviction in his divine purpose. These formidable adversaries have never encountered anyone like Harland Rust before. They may not be joking around, but they are about to face their greatest challenge yet.

As a cinephile, let me tell you, Harland doesn’t mess around. He won’t ask twice, and if you don’t comply, well, let’s just say it won’t end well for you. His reputation is fierce, and rightly so – nobody has been able to touch him. If you want to survive, you follow his lead and learn from the way he operates. But beware, there’s a storm brewing, and if you don’t adapt quickly, it could swallow us whole. Yet, beneath that ruthless exterior lies a story of pain and struggle. Harland wasn’t always this way; he was shaped by hardship and violence.

Spectacular Cinematography in ‘Rust’

In the gripping second act, Rust unveils hidden truths about enigmatic characters. Lucas ponders why Harland, someone he thought was absent his entire life, suddenly appeared now when it seemed he didn’t care before. The revelations are deeply moving and significantly deepen the emotional depth of the story.

It is not enough to walk away from past transgressions for them to be forgotten. Harland must confront regret in the face of a boy who represents what he so carelessly left behind. Saving Lucas is merely the initial stage of a long-overdue act of penance.

Harland’s journey towards reconciliation won’t be achieved solely through his firepower.

In Souza’s script, thoughtfulness shines through as he earns top marks. The tale unfolds as a journey where each character confronts their deepest fears in a relentless chase. Particularly captivating is the character of Wood, who defies God during an era of unchallenged religious rule, taking me completely by surprise. A profound philosophical discussion on the essence of life emerges, questioning “What purpose does faith serve if those who suffer die without any relief?” and pondering whether there can be hope when all is said and done. Wood’s character development is explosive and unexpectedly captivating.

As a passionate cinephile, I must say that “Rust” skillfully portrays the awe-inspiring and revolting existing side by side. The scenes of Lucas and Harland galloping across vast plains, scaling rugged cliffs, and trotting beneath starlit, moonlit skies are nothing short of breathtaking. This sense of boundless freedom is then juxtaposed with dusty saloons, grimy towns, and brothels that make your skin crawl. Characters can be seen brawling drunkenly on filthy streets, only for the camera to pan up revealing majestic mountain ranges. Hutchins and Cline are truly masters at capturing the raw, untamed beauty and its gritty counterpart.

In another words: My high standards were blown away by quite a distance. Rust proves to be an exceptional Western with depth, intricacy, and complexity that outshines its unfortunate production issues. There’s even a touch of humor to keep the mood light. Although some may argue that the climax is predictable, it’s important to acknowledge Souza, who was also injured in the accident, for seeing his vision through under such challenging circumstances. Hutchins deserves praise, as the film avoids being a catastrophe and her hard work wasn’t wasted.

The movie titled Rust is jointly produced by El Dorado Pictures, Short Porch Pictures, Thomasville Pictures, and others. It is scheduled for a simultaneous theatrical and Video On Demand (VOD) release on May 2nd, which will be handled by Falling Forward Films and Ascending Media Group.

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2025-05-01 18:04