The tragic “Rust” shooting sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. The incident, where a prop gun discharged a live round, resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. As the highly anticipated trial of Alec Baldwin approaches, Souza’s firsthand account of the events leading up to that fateful day offers a chilling glimpse into the tragedy.
Souza’s History With Alec Baldwin and Halyna Hutchins
Joel Souza, known for his work on films like “Crown Vic”, first encountered Alec Baldwin when Baldwin was slated to star in the film. Although scheduling conflicts prevented Baldwin from starring, he remained involved as a producer and was impressed with Souza’s work. This led to discussions of a future collaboration, with Baldwin starring in a Western film written by Souza, which would become “Rust.”
Souza was already familiar with Halyna Hutchins’s work before “Rust.” Her impressive cinematography on films like “Archenemy” had caught his eye. Souza admired her visual style and felt it aligned perfectly with his own. When putting together a list of potential cinematographers for “Rust”, Hutchins was a natural choice.
The Arrival of Hannah Gutierrez Reed and Pre-Production
Souza’s first interaction with Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, was over the phone. He was eager to conduct a “show and tell” with the film’s weapons, allowing the cast to be matched with the most suitable firearms for their characters. He met Gutierrez Reed in person during this event, where she was also training the crew on firearm safety.
While Souza had limited experience with armorers, he maintained a clear understanding of their crucial role on set. He expected them to be present whenever actors handled prop guns and to maintain strict control over all weapons and ammunition. He believed that no one on set, not even the star actor or producer, should supersede the armorer’s authority regarding firearm safety.
Joel Souza testifying in court about the "Rust" shooting
The Day of the Shooting: A Series of Unfortunate Events
On October 21, 2021, the day of the shooting, the “Rust” set was already facing challenges. A significant portion of the camera team had decided to quit, citing issues with the production. While Souza understood their reasons, he knew their departure would impact the day’s filming schedule. To manage the situation, he and the first assistant director, Dave Halls, devised a plan to focus on filming the crucial scenes, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Following lunch, the crew reconvened at the church set. Souza, wanting to capture the desired tense atmosphere for a particular scene, went outside to discuss camera angles with Hutchins and the crew. They aimed to create a sense of uncertainty about Baldwin’s character’s fate, using close-ups and strategic cuts to build suspense.
Souza doesn’t recall seeing Gutierrez Reed enter the church with the firearm at any point. The environment was bustling with activity, with crew members working on lighting, rigging special effects, and maneuvering cameras. He wasn’t aware of Gutierrez Reed’s whereabouts in the moments leading up to the shooting.
The Moment Everything Changed
After finalizing the camera angle, Souza re-entered the church. The atmosphere was filled with a cacophony of voices as Baldwin, Hutchins, and the crew discussed the scene. Souza, aiming for a better view of the monitor, positioned himself behind Hutchins. Suddenly, a deafening bang ripped through the air, far louder than the usual sound effects used on set.
The impact felt like a baseball bat to his shoulder, and Souza stumbled backward in confusion and pain. He remembers being lowered to the ground, initially believing Hutchins had been startled by the sound. But then he saw the blood.
Alec Baldwin speaks on the phone outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico
Chaos ensued. Souza recalls a blur of panic and confusion as crew members rushed to his and Hutchins’ aid. He remembers Gutierrez Reed appearing distraught, apologizing profusely before being ushered away.
Souza was transported to a hospital in Santa Fe, all the while struggling to comprehend the reality of the situation. He refused to believe a live round had been fired on set, clinging to the hope that it was a freak accident, a malfunctioning prop. It wasn’t until doctors showed him the X-ray of his back, revealing a large bullet lodged inside, that the truth sank in.
The Aftermath and the Trial
Hannah Gutierrez Reed was ultimately convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving an 18-month sentence. Joel Souza, still grappling with the physical and emotional scars of that day, delivered a powerful victim impact statement at her sentencing, highlighting the devastating loss of Halyna Hutchins and the profound impact the incident has had on his life.
Alec Baldwin now faces the same involuntary manslaughter charge. Souza is listed as a key witness in the upcoming trial, his testimony expected to provide critical insight into the events leading up to the shooting.
FAQ
Q: Did Joel Souza see who handed Alec Baldwin the gun?
A: Souza doesn’t recall seeing who handed Baldwin the gun. He remembers hearing the first assistant director, Dave Halls, call out “cold gun” but can’t confirm who physically gave Baldwin the firearm.
Q: What was Souza’s experience working with armorers prior to “Rust?”
A: Souza had limited experience with armorers before “Rust”, having only worked with one on a previous film, “Crown Vic.”
Q: Did Souza have any concerns about safety on the set of “Rust?”
A: While Souza acknowledged the inherent risks on a film set, he didn’t express any specific safety concerns prior to the shooting. He believed everyone had a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment and assumed safety protocols were being followed.
This is just the beginning of this tragic story. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the “Rust” shooting trial and provide updates as they unfold.
