‘Rust’ Production Restart Stirs Complicated Feelings for Crew: ‘The Whole Thing Is Messy’
variety.comGene Maddaus Senior Media Writer The settlement that will allow production to resume on “Rust” has stirred complicated feelings among the film’s crew, with some saying they would not return to the project while others support the decision.
The producers announced on Oct. 5 that they plan to resume production in January, more than a year after Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins while preparing for a scene at a location near Santa Fe, N.M.
The producers — including Baldwin — settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Hutchins’ widower, Matthew, and said they intend to complete the film to honor Hutchins’ memory.
The lawsuit alleged that the production cut corners to save money, and put the crew at risk. And several crew members said they did feel unsafe and have no intention of going back. “I absolutely would want nothing to do with it,” said one crew member, who asked not to be identified. “It was traumatizing across the board.” But other crew members have said that the production was not as hazardous as it’s been portrayed. “They didn’t cut corners — they did everything right,” said Aaron Ward, who did location work on the film. “It was just a freak accident, in my opinion.” Asked whether he supports resuming production, Ward said, “I’m all for it.
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