Tarantino Rubs Salt On Alec Baldwin’s "Rust" Shooting Controversy

The tragic death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" in 2021 shocked the film industry. While rehearsing a scene, Alec Baldwin discharged a prop gun, tragically killing Hutchins and injuring Joel Souza, the film's director. Tarantino's recent remarks on this incident created controversy since he stated that performers ought to inspect the guns they handle on stage.

Who should check the weapons?

Tarantino, speaking on Bill Maher's "Club Random" podcast, shared his thoughts on the Rust shooting controversy. Although he thinks Alec Baldwin is not solely responsible for the incident, he does bear some blame. The American filmmaker placed 90% of the blame on Hannah Gutierrez-Reed as he believes it was her failure to check the gun properly before it was handed to Baldwin. 

The industry has been split over this point of view, especially as Baldwin has continuously denied pulling the trigger and said the gun accidentally went off during rehearsal.

Industry responses

Tarantino's comments sparked controversy, particularly among industry professionals. The SAG-AFTRA has firmly stated that it is not an actor's responsibility to inspect weapons for live rounds. This viewpoint completely opposes Tarantino's idea that performers must ensure the safety of the weapons they use during filming.

Legal battles continue

The incident has had extensive legal ramifications. Alec Baldwin was first accused of involuntary manslaughter, but the charge was dismissed after it was revealed that some important evidence was mishandled. This dismissal has not stopped the debate or the lawsuits connected to the case.
Baldwin has sued the Special Prosecutor, Kari Morrissey, and Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza for mishandling evidence and violating due process.  Hutchins' family is still pursuing legal action against the accused parties in order to hold them accountable for her death.

The future of "Rust" and Baldwin

Looking to the future, the fate of the movie Rust and its protagonist is still ambiguous. Filming is about to continue in Montana with more rigid health protocols, and the crew is eager to leave this part behind. 
The argument about who is actually to blame for the catastrophe on the "Rust" set rages on as Baldwin's trial approaches. Tarantino's comments have added another layer to the ongoing discussion. The event is an upsetting reminder of the necessity of strict safety measures in the film industry, even as the legal fights rage on.