'Rust': A Western Tarnished by Tragedy

Joel Souza's Rust, starring Alec Baldwin, arrives in theaters and on VOD over four years after a fatal on-set shooting that irrevocably altered its trajectory. The film itself, a classic tale of cowboys and outlaws, unfolds against a backdrop of stunning scenery and timeless moral dilemmas. But the weight of the real-life tragedy that befell the production – the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injury to director Joel Souza – casts a long shadow, making it impossible to view the film in isolation.

A Familiar Story, Familiar Faces

Rust tells the story of Harland Rust (Alec Baldwin), a grizzled criminal gunslinger with a surprisingly tender heart, who rescues his estranged grandson, Lucas (Patrick Scott McDermott), from a death sentence. Lucas, a troubled teen, inadvertently kills a man, setting in motion a desperate flight from a relentless posse, led by the stoic Wyoming marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and the fanatically religious bounty hunter Fenton “Preacher” Lang (Travis Fimmel). The film is a classic on-the-run Western, featuring chases, shootouts, and moral ambiguities.

Alec Baldwin's Performance and the Weight of History

Baldwin's performance is arguably the film's most discussed aspect. While he brings a certain gravitas to the role, his portrayal of Rust feels somewhat out of sync with the period setting. His voice and delivery sometimes betray a contemporary sensibility, making the character less believable. The weight of the real-life events undoubtedly hangs over his performance, adding an unintended layer of complexity.

Beyond Baldwin: A Mixed Bag

While Baldwin’s performance draws much attention, the film’s supporting cast is also notable. McDermott delivers a compelling performance as the troubled teen. Hopkins and Fimmel portray strong, well-defined characters, although their narratives sometimes feel disconnected from the main plot. The film excels visually, benefiting from stunning cinematography, courtesy of Halyna Hutchins and Bianca Cline. The landscapes are breathtaking, complementing the Western setting beautifully.

Shortcomings in Plot and Pacing

Despite its visual strengths and capable cast, Rust suffers from a somewhat underwritten plot and uneven pacing. The film feels overly long, and some story threads are underdeveloped, leading to a lack of emotional depth in several key areas. The multiple narratives struggle to coalesce seamlessly, sometimes detracting from the central story.

The Unforgettable Context

Ultimately, Rust is a film inextricably linked to its tragic production history. While the film possesses some merit, and offers a visually stunning Western experience, it's hard to separate its artistic value from the circumstances surrounding its creation. Whether this complicates the viewer's experience or heightens their intrigue, one thing is certain: the shadow of tragedy hangs heavy over every frame. It's a competent film, but its most compelling aspect, sadly, is the history that precedes its creation and ultimately dominates its narrative.