Joel Souza’s troubled and engaging Rust is finally seeing the light of day with a physical release on 23^rd June, but whilst the film is surprisingly gripping and entertaining, you can’t help but find yourself constantly thinking about the tragic production that was heard and felt by so many around the world.

The film itself, a Western centred on an outlaw grandfather (Alec Baldwin) and his estranged grandson (Patrick Scott McDermott) on the run, attempts to capture the rugged beauty and inherent dangers of the American frontier.  Souza’s direction leans into the stark landscapes and the simmering tensions between its characters, aiming for a raw and authentic portrayal of a harsh and unforgiving era. It’s a character-driven story, and boy, does it prove it. The narrative, while familiar in its Western tropes, seeks to explore themes of family, legacy, and the cyclical nature of violence against the backdrop of a dusty, unforgiving landscape, which is the perfect metaphor for the film.

Whilst mainly known for his comedic roles, Baldwin delivers a performance that is both weathered and weary, embodying the grizzled outlaw with a palpable sense of history and regret. His portrayal anchors the film, providing a focal point for the unfolding drama and the grandson’s coming-of-age journey amidst perilous circumstances. The supporting cast, featuring McDermott, Travis Fimmel and Frances Fisher, are all excellent in their roles.  The ironic thing, if behind-the-scenes tragedy hadn’t occurred, we would be looking at a highly respected film.

The film’s visual style emphasises the natural environment, utilising wide shots to capture the vastness and isolation of the setting, contrasted with close-ups that highlight the emotional toll on its characters. However, it’s impossible to separate the viewing experience from the tragic on-set incident that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Hutchins’ cinematography is beautiful; you get those dusty plains, glowing sunsets, and striking shadows that feel straight out of a classic Western, but it’s all met with a layer of unintended poignancy. It truly does show just the talent of a life cut so tragically short.

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While Souza bravely returns to complete his vision, the film’s artistic merits are constantly juxtaposed with the real-world tragedy that occurred during its making, which often makes for an uncomfortable and conflicting viewing experience, where appreciation for the filmmaking is intertwined with a profound sense of loss and the ethical considerations surrounding its release.

Despite the inherent challenges, Rust as a film showcases moments of genuine cinematic merit. Souza’s commitment to telling this particular story of familial bonds and survival in the Old West is evident in the film’s pacing and atmosphere. Some sequences effectively build tension and capture the brutality of the era. The performances, particularly Baldwin’s, offer glimpses of the intended emotional depth.

Ultimately, Rust is a film that exists in a complex space, its narrative achievements forever intertwined with the real-life tragedy that marred its production. While Joel Souza manages to deliver a Western with moments of compelling storytelling and strong performances, the film’s release serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of filmmaking.

It’s a viewing experience that demands not only critical assessment but also a degree of sombre reflection on the events that overshadowed its creation.

★★★

On digital Platforms June 23rd, on DVD July 7th / Alec Baldwin, Patrick Scott McDermott, Travis Fimmel, Frances Fisher, Jake Busey, Josh Hopkins / Dir: Joel Souza / Signature Entertainment / 15

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