‘We’re Not Friends, We’re Not Enemies’: Rust Director On His Relationship With Alec Baldwin Amid Fatal On-Set Shooting Fiasco

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As a dedicated follower of this tragic saga, I find myself deeply moved by Joel Souza’s resilience and unwavering commitment to honoring the legacy of Halyna Hutchins. Having stood mere feet away from the fatal bullet, his near-death experience has left an indelible mark on him, akin to a horse kicking me in the shoulder while simultaneously reminding me of being hit with a bat – a sensation that I’m certain none of us would wish upon our worst enemies.

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death, brutality, and murder.

For the initial time, Director Joel Souza has spoken out about the October 2021 fatal shooting on the Rust set. In an interview with Variety, Souza disclosed that following the unfortunate accidental gunfire incident which took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and left him injured as well, he no longer maintains a relationship with Alec Baldwin – the actor who discharged the live round.

He stated that they weren’t friends nor foes, there simply wasn’t any connection between them. Regardless of the difficulties, the director successfully finished the movie and looked back on working with Michael Keaton following the event. “It was challenging, but we persevered. We made it through. I got the acting I desired,” Souza commented.

As a devoted admirer, I felt compelled to continue and conclude the film, as it was crucial to uphold Hutchins’ legacy and offer some financial aid to her loved ones. The thought of the movie providing financial relief for Halyna’s family resonated deeply with me. I believed that showcasing her final work was essential, not just for the world to appreciate it, but because it mattered deeply to Halyna herself. This realization was the decisive factor in my choice to move forward with the project.

In the background, Souza was orchestrating a particular scene as Hutchins discharged a firearm; unfortunately, the bullet struck Souza’s shoulder and Hutchins on his chest.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, the director shared details about his close encounter with death, describing it as if a horse had kicked him in the shoulder or someone had struck him with a bat. Consequently, his right side was left numb and agonizingly painful simultaneously. He further explained that it was similar to everything feeling tingly and numb while also causing intense pain all at once.

In a narrow escape, the bullet barely avoided hitting his spinal cord. Yet, upon being struck, he secretly hoped for an unsurvivable wound, leading to a peaceful demise without regaining consciousness. Reflecting on that challenging time, he admitted, “I just remember thinking — perhaps I’ll just bleed out peacefully; that would be ideal for me.”

In relation to the tragic event, numerous lawsuits have arisen and Alec Baldwin has been accused of involuntary manslaughter. Expressing his thoughts on the matter, Souza stated that while he comprehends both viewpoints, he won’t choose a side.

“Even if I believe it’s unfair, the fact remains that the charges have been filed. That was their decision. Was he excessively charged? I’m not certain,” he further stated.

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2024-08-15 20:24