In a recent conversation on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino spoke out about the tragic shooting that took place on the set of the movie “Rust.” The incident, which occurred in October 2021, resulted in the death of the film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. While much of the attention has been on the film’s armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, Tarantino believes that actor Alec Baldwin also shares some responsibility for what happened.
Tarantino’s perspective is that actors should always personally check the safety of any weapons they handle during a shoot. This viewpoint stands in stark contrast to the current industry standard, as supported by the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA. The union has maintained that it is not the duty of actors to verify the safety of props and weapons, arguing that this responsibility falls on trained professionals like the armourer. However, Tarantino feels that relying solely on others for weapon safety can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in the “Rust” incident.
The controversy around the “Rust” shooting intensified when a judge dismissed the manslaughter charge against Baldwin in July. The decision was made after it was revealed that crucial evidence had been mishandled by the prosecutors, with the evidence placed in an incorrect file, making it inaccessible to Baldwin’s defense team. In response to these legal missteps, Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Tarantino’s comments have sparked further debate within the film industry about who should be held accountable for safety on set. While many agree that armourers play a key role in ensuring that all weapons are safe to use, the question of whether actors should also bear some responsibility remains contentious. This ongoing discussion highlights the need for clearer and stricter safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the debate continues, it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers involved in film production and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
