Win a trip for two to Belize!
When “Rust” actor Marty Lindsey learned Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography, had been killed in a firearms incident on set, he thought the movie should be scrapped. “I'm like, 'this movie just needs to be thrown in the trash,’” he said. Then he started thinking more about Hutchins’ legacy: “her craft is all over this movie." Lindsey, who plays a cowhand named Harley, now leans toward finishing the film. But, he said, it should ultimately be up to Hutchins’ family.
Production on the indie western is suspended while the Santa Fe Sheriff’s office investigates Hutchins’ death. Actor Alec Baldwin fired the gun in question, which he reportedly was told was safe or “cold.” The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also injured.
Lindsey, who lives in Albuquerque, NM, had finished filming his scenes for “Rust” and was visiting family in his native Arvada, CO, when he learned of the shooting. “A friend who works in production on another show called me probably 40 minutes after it happened, because word travels fast in the community, especially in New Mexico.” Lindsey said he was in “total shock.”
My heart goes out to my RUST family and to Halyna Hutchins family. @AlecBaldwin I’m thinking about you and sending love. @Frances_Fisher thanks for posting the update about Joel (we met in the HMU trailer). This is just utterly devastating. pic.twitter.com/WUi7nqbxSg
— Marty Lindsey (@TheMartyLindsey) October 22, 2021
He was aware crew members had walked off the set earlier that day over safety concerns. He said the production seemed “a little rough.”
“From the time I went in for my fitting, it just felt like a small movie,” adding, “it is an independent film. It's not a big budget. However, they have major stars in it. So I was just a little confused.”
But Lindsey says Hutchins was a formidable director of photography. “Sometimes you get on projects and DPs, as well as actors, can just sort of go through the motions.” But he perceived that this movie was important to her. “This wasn't just a paycheck, you know? I do think this was a big break for her.”
Lindsey hopes the “Rust” tragedy forever changes how gunfights are filmed. He said there is no need even for blanks, which can pose a risk. In the future, he predicts every gunshot will be produced digitally using CGI, which would require training actors to mimic a firearm’s blowback. “This is just my professional opinion from working in this industry for 25 years.”
You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. We can help you keep up. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. Sign up here and we will see you in the morning!
It takes a good day’s drive to cover Colorado, but we’ll help you do it in a few minutes. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you.
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now.