A Heartbreaking Look at the Tragic Accident on the Set of "Rust" and the Life of Halyna Hutchins
The new documentary Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, set to premiere on Hulu, delves into the heartbreaking story of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer whose life was tragically cut short during the filming of the indie movie Rust in 2021. Directed by Halyna’s friend, Rachel Mason, the film offers a poignant tribute to a woman remembered not just for her talent behind the camera, but also for her roles as a wife, mother, and aspiring artist.
The documentary explores the events surrounding the accidental shooting that took Halyna’s life when a prop gun held by Alec Baldwin discharged a live bullet on October 21, 2021. Through interviews with those who were on set, the film sheds light on the subsequent legal battles, criminal investigations, and the glaring lapses in safety protocols that have left many questioning how such a tragedy could occur. The documentary also reflects on the broader implications for on-set safety in the film industry, a theme that resonates deeply with everyone involved.
During a recent FYC event previewing the documentary, emotions ran high as Rachel Mason and producer Julee Metz shared insights into the making of the film. Mason had initially envisioned a project that would celebrate Halyna’s life and work, but the commercial interest in the Rust story shifted the focus to the circumstances of her death. This shift was acknowledged by Joel Souza, the director of Rust who was also injured in the accident, who expressed during a Q&A that he had hoped the documentary would include more about Halyna’s life.
The screening of Last Take was a deeply personal experience for many in attendance, including friends and colleagues of Halyna who shared stories and tears. Mason, introducing the film, acknowledged the pain of losing someone so cherished, emphasizing that while the documentary might bring some sense of closure, it could never fully capture the loss they all felt. The film, produced by Story Syndicate, Anonymous Content, and Concordia Studio, with Halyna’s widower, Matt Hutchins, serving as an executive producer, also credits Halyna as a cinematographer, a detail Mason noted she had insisted upon.
In an interview with Variety, Mason discussed the careful consideration given to the sensitive footage used in the documentary, including Alec Baldwin’s reaction to the news of Halyna’s death. She described the decision to include such painful moments as a way to convey the raw horror and grief felt by everyone involved. Mason also expressed hope that the documentary would spark a broader conversation about workplace safety in the film industry and beyond, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication breakdowns and the need for tools like stop work orders to prevent future tragedies.
One of the most touching aspects of the film is the personal glimpse it offers into Halyna’s life, particularly her passion for her work. Through her notebooks and messages, Mason reveals Halyna’s deep love for her craft and her family, highlighting the immense potential that was lost with her passing. Matt Hutchins’ involvement as an executive producer was crucial, as he entrusted Mason with telling Halyna’s story, ensuring that her legacy would be honored.
While the documentary does not include an interview with Alec Baldwin, Mason shared that she had reached out to him, though he was unable to participate due to other commitments. Reflecting on the concept of justice, Mason expressed her belief that true justice would only be served if Halyna could return to her loved ones, a sentiment that resonates with everyone affected by this tragedy.
Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna is more than a documentary about a tragic accident; it is a tribute to a vibrant life, a call to action for safer workplaces, and a reminder of the enduring impact of Halyna Hutchins on all who knew her.
