Quentin Tarantino Weighs in on Rust Shooting and Alec Baldwin’s Legal Outcome

Quentin Tarantino recently commented on the fatal shooting incident on the set of the film “Rust,” where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed. During an appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, Tarantino stated that Alec Baldwin is “10 percent responsible” for the shooting, emphasizing that while the armorer (Hannah Gutierrez-Reed) holds most of the responsibility, Baldwin also shares some due to his role as the actor handling the firearm. Tarantino argued that actors should have a basic understanding of the weapons they use on set and go through the necessary safety checks to ensure they’re not loaded with live ammunition​ EW.com  and TMZ

Quentin Tarantino has offered his perspective on the tragic shooting on the set of the film “Rust” that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, following the recent dismissal of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter charge. During an interview on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, the famed director, known for his frequent use of firearms in films, shared his thoughts on the responsibility for the incident.

Quentin Tarantino afirma que Alec Baldwin é “10% responsável” por TRAGÉDIA em ‘Rust’ – https://t.co/nmnT61tRHX pic.twitter.com/Y88wDiyxs2

— CinePOP (@cinepop) August 26, 2024

Tarantino expressed that the armorer, the person in charge of managing weapons on set, bears the majority of the responsibility. “The armorer — the guy who handles the gun — is 90% responsible for everything that happens when it comes to that gun,” he said. However, he also acknowledged that actors share some of the responsibility, around 10%, because they are handling the weapon. “It’s a gun. You are a partner in the responsibility, to some degree,” Tarantino noted, emphasizing the need for due diligence in handling firearms.

The incident in question took place in October 2021 when Baldwin was rehearsing a scene for his Western movie, “Rust,” and the gun he was holding discharged. This resulted in Hutchins’ death and the injury of director Joel Souza. Baldwin was later indicted by a New Mexico grand jury in January. However, during Baldwin’s trial, his defense argued that the prosecution withheld evidence, leading Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer to dismiss the charges with prejudice, meaning Baldwin cannot be charged again in relation to the shooting. Baldwin has consistently maintained that he did not pull the trigger and was unaware that the gun contained live ammunition.

Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for the weapons on set, was convicted at trial and is serving an 18-month sentence, though she is currently appealing the conviction. Additionally, assistant director Dave Halls accepted a plea deal for negligent use of a deadly weapon.

Quentin Tarantino estime qu’Alec Baldwin est en partie responsable de l’accident mortel du tournage de Rusthttps://t.co/y1NjLtA5au

— Pèse sur start (@PeseSurStart) August 26, 2024

After the charges against Baldwin were dismissed, he expressed relief in an Instagram post, thanking his supporters and acknowledging the end of the lengthy legal proceedings. “There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now,” Baldwin wrote, expressing gratitude for the kindness shown to his family throughout the ordeal.

Looking ahead, Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, are set to star in a new TLC reality series titled “The Baldwins,” which will focus on their large family. The couple has seven children together, and Baldwin also has a daughter, Ireland, from his previous marriage to Kim Basinger.

More

• In response to Tarantino’s comments, some industry professionals and organizations, like SAG-AFTRA, have pushed back, asserting that it’s not the actor’s responsibility to check the weapons, but rather the responsibility of the professionals specifically tasked with that duty. This has sparked a broader debate in the film industry about safety protocols and responsibilities when it comes to handling firearms on set​ EW.com
• Tarantino’s remarks have reignited discussions about on-set safety and the role of actors and crew members in preventing such tragedies in the future. For more detailed coverage and perspectives, you can check out the articles from Entertainment Weekly and TMZ.

Key Points:

i. Quentin Tarantino commented on the “Rust” shooting, emphasizing the armorer’s primary responsibility but also noting the actor’s partial accountability.

ii. Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter charge was dismissed, and he cannot be retried for the incident.

iii. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted and is serving a sentence, while assistant director Dave Halls took a plea deal.

iv. Baldwin expressed relief on social media after the case’s dismissal and thanked his supporters.

v. Baldwin and his family are set to star in a new reality series on TLC.

Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News