40 Facts About Rust (Movie)

Production Background and Storyline

"Rust" is an upcoming American Western film directed by Joel Souza. The movie has attracted significant attention due to its tragic production history and Alec Baldwin's involvement. Here's a closer look at the production background and storyline.

1. "Rust" is a low-budget production financed by BondIt Media Capital, with CAA Media Finance handling domestic sales rights and Highland Film Group managing international sales.

2. The film is set in the 1880s in Kansas and revolves around an aging outlaw named Harland Rust, played by Alec Baldwin. Rust goes on the run with his 13-year-old nephew, Lucas Hollister, after the latter is sentenced to hang for an accidental killing.

Cast and Crew

The cast and crew of "Rust" have shown remarkable dedication to the project despite numerous challenges. Let's dive into the key players involved.

3. Alec Baldwin stars as Harland Rust, the aging outlaw at the center of the story.

4. Patrick Scott McDermott plays Lucas Hollister, Rust's 13-year-old nephew.

5. Travis Fimmel takes on the role of Fenton "Preacher" Lang.

6. Frances Fisher portrays Lucas' grandaunt.

7. Jake Busey appears as Drum Parker.

8. Josh Hopkins and Devon Werkheiser have undisclosed roles in the film.

Filming Locations and Schedule

The filming of "Rust" took place in various locations, with a particularly tight schedule due to unforeseen delays.

9. The film was primarily shot in New Mexico, with the Bonanza Creek Ranch serving as a key location for the gunfight scenes.

10. The filming schedule for "Rust" was 21 days, significantly shorter than typical productions due to the tragic incident and subsequent delays.

Tragic Incident and Legal Proceedings

The production of "Rust" was marred by a tragic incident that led to legal proceedings and significant changes in the film industry.

11. In October 2021, production was halted after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by a prop gun during rehearsals for a scene. Director Joel Souza was also injured by the same round.

12. Following the incident, Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed faced involuntary manslaughter charges. However, in July 2024, a judge dismissed the charges against Baldwin, while Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty.

Resumption of Filming and Budget

Despite the tragic incident, the production of "Rust" resumed, and the film was completed on a modest budget.

13. Production resumed in April 2023, with Baldwin returning to the set to complete his scenes. The film concluded its shooting schedule on May 22, 2023.

14. The film was produced on a budget of $6–7 million, described as a "passion project" for Alec Baldwin.

Distribution and Premiere

"Rust" is set to premiere at a prestigious film festival before its release in the United States.

15. The distribution rights for "Rust" were sold to The Avenue for $2 million during the pre-production phase.

16. "Rust" will premiere at the Camerimage film festival in November 2024 and is scheduled to be released in the United States by The Avenue.

Gun Safety Concerns and Measures

The fatal shooting incident on the set of "Rust" highlighted significant gun safety concerns, leading to increased scrutiny and new safety protocols.

17. An investigation revealed that firearms and ammunition were retrieved from a locked safe and placed on a cart by armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. The cart included a plastic gun that could not shoot live ammunition, a modified weapon that could not fire any type of ammunition, and a solid-frame .45 Colt revolver replica made by Pietta.

18. Following the incident, there has been increased scrutiny on gun safety measures on film sets. The production of "Rust" implemented additional safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Cinematography and Director's Vision

The film's cinematography and director Joel Souza's vision play a crucial role in bringing the story to life.

19. Halyna Hutchins was known for her unique visual style, which is highlighted in the promotional materials for "Rust." Her work on the film's cinematography is a testament to her skill and artistry, even in the face of tragedy.

20. Joel Souza's vision for "Rust" was influenced by his love for storytelling and his admiration for the work of Clint Eastwood. The film is described as a revisionist Western, similar to Eastwood's "Unforgiven."

Alec Baldwin's Involvement and Historical Context

Alec Baldwin's involvement in "Rust" goes beyond acting, and the film's historical context adds depth to the narrative.

21. Alec Baldwin not only stars in "Rust" but also produced and co-wrote the story with Joel Souza. He has expressed his love for Souza's writing and the story itself, which he found compelling and cinematic.

22. The film's setting in 1880s Kansas provides a historical context that explores themes of justice, family, and survival in the American West. The story is based on a true event involving the youngest person ever to hang in the American West.

Cast Reactions and Dedication

The cast and crew of "Rust" have shown remarkable dedication to completing the film despite the tragic incident.

23. The cast and crew of "Rust" have expressed their commitment to completing the film despite the tragic incident. The resilience and dedication shown by the team are a testament to their passion for the project.

24. The production involved approximately 150 crew members, with half being local to New Mexico. There were 22 principal actors and 230 background actors involved in the film.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

"Rust" has become a cultural phenomenon due to its association with the tragic incident on set and its ambitious storytelling.

25. "Rust" has become a cultural phenomenon due to its association with the tragic incident on set. The film's release will likely be met with both curiosity and caution, as audiences navigate the complex emotions surrounding the production.

26. "Rust" holds historical significance not only due to its setting but also because of the events that unfolded during its production. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility in the film industry.

Themes and Motifs

The film explores various themes and motifs that add complexity to its narrative.

27. "Rust" explores themes of family, justice, and survival in the American West. The film's motifs of redemption and revenge are central to its narrative, adding complexity to the story.

28. Alec Baldwin has compared "Rust" to Clint Eastwood’s "Unforgiven," highlighting the film's revisionist history themes. This comparison underscores the film's ambition to explore complex narratives within the Western genre.

Filmmaking Challenges and Historical Accuracy

The production of "Rust" faced numerous challenges, and the film's attention to historical accuracy adds depth to its narrative.

29. The production of "Rust" faced numerous challenges, including delays, cast changes, and the tragic incident. These challenges have made the film's completion all the more remarkable and a testament to the perseverance of the cast and crew.

30. While "Rust" is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from historical events. The film's attention to detail and historical accuracy add depth to the narrative, making it more engaging for audiences.

Cinematic Style and Marketing Strategy

The film's cinematography and marketing strategy play a crucial role in its appeal to audiences.

31. The film's cinematography is expected to be visually stunning, capturing the vast landscapes and intense action sequences of the Western genre. Halyna Hutchins' work on the film's visual style is a significant aspect of its appeal.

32. A first look at the film was released on January 2, 2024, showcasing Halyna Hutchins' work on the cinematography and her visual style.

Alec Baldwin and Joel Souza's Careers

The involvement of Alec Baldwin and Joel Souza in "Rust" marks significant milestones in their careers.

33. Alec Baldwin's involvement in "Rust" is significant given his extensive career in film and television. His commitment to the project despite the challenges underscores his dedication to his craft.

34. Joel Souza's direction of "Rust" marks a significant milestone in his career. His ability to navigate the complexities of the film's production and maintain a cohesive vision is a testament to his skill as a director.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

The public reaction to "Rust" has been mixed, and the legal implications of the incident have been significant.

35. The public reaction to "Rust" has been mixed, with some expressing curiosity about the film and others showing caution due to the tragic incident. The film's release will likely be met with a range of emotions and reactions.

36. The dismissal of charges against Alec Baldwin and the guilty verdict for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have significant legal implications. The case highlights the complexities of liability and responsibility in film production.

Production Timeline and Cast Changes

The production timeline and cast changes of "Rust" were significantly impacted by the tragic incident and subsequent delays.

37. The production timeline for "Rust" was significantly impacted by the tragic incident and subsequent delays. The film was initially set to start in May 2020 but began filming in October 2021 after a year-long delay.

38. The cast of "Rust" underwent changes during production. Brady Noon was replaced by Patrick Scott McDermott, and Jensen Ackles was replaced by Josh Hopkins due to scheduling conflicts.

Distribution Plans and Cultural Impact

The distribution plans for "Rust" include a premiere at a prestigious film festival, and the film is expected to leave a lasting cultural impact.

39. The distribution plans for "Rust" include a premiere at the Camerimage film festival in November 2024. The film will then be released in the United States by The Avenue, marking a significant milestone in its journey to the big screen.

40. "Rust" is expected to leave a lasting cultural impact despite the challenges it faced during production. The film's release will be a testament to the resilience of the cast and crew, and its legacy will be shaped by both its artistic merit and its place in film history.

The Final Ride

"Rust" has been a wild journey, marked by tragedy, resilience, and dedication. This low-budget Western, directed by Joel Souza and starring Alec Baldwin, faced immense challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Despite these hurdles, the film is set to premiere at the Camerimage film festival in November 2024, with a U.S. release by The Avenue.

The story of Harland Rust and his nephew Lucas Hollister, set in 1880s Kansas, promises a gripping narrative filled with themes of justice, family, and survival. The cast and crew's commitment to completing the film, even after such a tragic incident, speaks volumes about their passion and determination.

As "Rust" finally makes its way to audiences, it stands as a testament to the resilience of its creators and the enduring allure of Western storytelling.