Western movie 'Rust' is a fine tribute to the late Halyna Hutchins

RUST from FALLING FORWARD FILMS (2025). The Western movie was released on May 2 in select theaters. You can also buy or rent with Video-On-Demand. It stars Alec Baldwin. It was written and directed by Joel Souza.

This was the final film for cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The production was halted at Santa Fe, NM back in October of 2021. This after Halyna was accidentally shot by a real bullet inside a prop-gun. She later died.

The Hutchins family wanted the movie to be finished. The production was moved to Montana in 2023. All money proceeds will go to the family in Halyna's name.

The story is simple. Lucas Hollister is a 13-year-old who takes care of his younger brother at Wyoming. This after his mom had died. While Lucas chases off a wolf from his property with a rifle. He accidentally shoots and kills a man. He is later charged with pre-meditated murder and is sentenced to "hang" by the neck. While he sits in jail. His long lost grandfather Harlin "Rust" comes and breaks him out. They make a run toward the American Southwest. "Rust" is chased by the law and a determined bounty hunter.

"Rust" was not released in New Mexico where it was mainly filmed. So, I rented it at Amazon Prime Video. If anyone knows me. I love Westerns and I was not disappointed with "Rust."

It is the cinematography that actually makes this Western rise above the rest. Halyna Hutchins captured it beautifully. Especially the rugged mountains and open landscapes. I saw the influence of the classic Western, "The Searches" (1956). The camera caught the home door frames in darkness and the outside filled with light. There are several camera shots like this which shape the characters, the scenes and the continuing story. It was done impressively by Haylna.

What I also found interesting was the light and shadows caught by the camera. It set the tone of each character and their surroundings. The shadow around the face of Harlin "Rust" is a good example. He is an outlaw who is known by many, but mysterious to those whom he meets. Lucas never knew he had a grandfather.

If you get a chance. Watch this Western. You won't be disappointed.

The late Halyna Hutchins was the cinematographer on this Western called, "Rust." It stars Alec Baldwin as Harlin Rust.