The Rust shooting tragedy, which claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, continues to be one of Hollywood’s most controversial incidents. The newly released Hulu documentary, Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, has added another layer to the discussion by including footage of Alec Baldwin rehearsing a scene moments before the fatal accident. While the documentary offers behind-the-scenes insights, it has also sparked debate: does it clear Baldwin’s name, or does it complicate his legal and public standing even further?
The documentary’s key footage
One of the most talked-about moments in the documentary is a brief clip of Baldwin swiftly drawing a gun from his jacket while filming in the same church where Hutchins was fatally shot. The footage, sourced from public court records and behind-the-scenes material, confirms that Baldwin was engaged in a rehearsal just prior to the shooting. However, it does not explicitly clarify whether this was the exact moment when the fatal shot was fired.
Legal battles and Baldwin’s stance
Baldwin has consistently denied pulling the trigger, stating in a 2021 interview that “the trigger wasn’t pulled. I didn’t pull the trigger.” The actor initially faced involuntary manslaughter charges, which were later dropped in April 2023. However, he was indicted again, only for the case to be dismissed by a judge. Following these legal challenges, Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against the prosecution, alleging malicious prosecution and civil rights violations.
The Rust documentary does not include Baldwin’s participation, but it does feature archival footage of him before and after the shooting.
Beyond Baldwin’s individual responsibility, the Rust tragedy has led to increased scrutiny of Hollywood’s safety protocols. The incident highlighted gaps in firearm handling on set, prompting calls for stricter regulations. While some productions have since implemented bans on real guns, others argue that the industry still has a long way to go in ensuring crew safety.
As Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna gains traction, its impact remains to be seen. Will it shift public perception of Baldwin, reinforce calls for stronger safety measures, or simply reignite old debates? What is certain is that the Rust shooting continues to leave a lasting mark on Hollywood.
