Rust

I'm going to judge this movie based on its storytelling, acting, directing, and cinematography - not on what I think of Alec Baldwin as a person or the tragic incident onset.

Story: I think it was fine. It might not be the most compelling of story, but it was good enough for me - meaning it was engaging for the most part. There were some things that didn't make sense to me, but it's not a major gripe.

Acting: I liked everyone is this film. Even the kid(s) were ok. Shout out to Travis Fimmel - I'm glad he's getting better roles since the Viking series - Richard Gunn, and Francis Fisher. I felt that their portrayals were outstanding.

Directing: Also good, IMO. There weren't any fillers or wasted shots, I thought. The actions were quite good, as well - I knew where everyone was at all times and what was happening. As were the dialogues and the quieter moments.

Cinematography: Montana is simply beautiful. I wished there had been more wide vista shots, but it's a quibble. Generally, what we had were good and established well the period and locations.

Overall: 7.5.

Definitely worth the watch. Good acting, good story line, and it was all well done. I didn't find it slow at all. Captured our attention from the start, and the characters all made you sympathize with each of them in one way or another. They were all likeable, too. Would watch it again, and would recommend to anyone.

I get the politics around the release of the film, but this review is about the film, not any particular point of view.

If you don't agree with it being released, then don't watch it. But don't give it a poor rating because you don't agree with something that has nothing to do with the film itself.

This is a solid western, the story keeps you engaged and invested in the characters and where the story is going to lead them. The acting, costumes, sets, everything was superb. Where this falls short is the story, it keeps you entertained to the end but just falls short of being a classic you'd want to rewatch and discuss. I feel its lacking a twist or a callback to tie the story together, as is, its more a progression of events. Something like if the kids fancy rifle ended up moving through a few hands, perhaps when the bounty hunters fight each other the survivor claims it only to die in the next fight enforcing its 'curse', and then was used in a key moment at the end to save or kill the kid and he gets it back, or some other twist. It doesnt need to be big, just a little spice in an otherwise impressive film.

Those many who have rating bombed this by giving it a 1 star without having seen it are actually doing Helena's name and family a disservice as the film's profits go to the family. Plus it was their wish that her last film be seen. It is a testament to her talent. There's also a little visual dedication after the credits with some words by the director.

Is it a great film? No. It's been done before and better but it's still quite well directed, very easy to watch and not a bad way to pass a couple of hours. Hollywooden has pumped out much more boring tripe that has cost hundreds of millions of dollars (Snow White being just one). This was just eight million. The standout, perhaps ironocally, is the cinematography. Not just the landscapes but the interiors are beautifully lit and framed. The director and producers would have altered their approach after the tragedy and ensured that her work got proper screen time. Perhaps even the script was changed to allow for more emotion, who can say but it definitely had an impact.

As for the scene in the church where the incident took place, no such scene exists in the film. So there's no morbidity present. It is hard to separate the knowledge of what happened with the title character firing off his revolver many times. It's impossible to watch it totally objectively but the mature approach warrants an attempt.

The story itself is serviceable, though a little clichéd with some of the supporting roles being thinly drawn. The acting is average though Travis Fimmel is good to watch even if he's becoming somewhat of a cliché playing the bad guy of late (Dune).

Ignore the haters. Look at the graph and you'll see the weighted average is between a 6 and a 7 which feels about right. It's only the ignorant and their 1 bombing which has lowered the score. The individual at fault was found guilty and deservedly so. The sentence however, for such gross negligence was inadequate and an insult to justice.

Do yourself a favor and watch it without judgement. At the very least, you'll enjoy the sumptuous visuals. RIP Helena.

I have written an unpublished book about the accidental shooting of Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza on the New Mexico set of Rust. My book is about how accidents happen, not the movie. I am not a fan of Westerns nor low budget movies but I enjoyed Rust. Joel Souza surprised me with a well written movie, a depth of characters and morality that I did not expect. Wood Helm and Lucas Rust characters were well acted and Alec Baldwin never over shadowed his co-stars in a reserved portrayal of a broken man. I hope everyone pays to see Rust. Any proceeds go to Halyna Hutchins per an end of credits video. Halyna's death was a terrible accident caused by many foreseeable and unforeseeable events. Tragic if people feel it does not honor Ms. Hutchins going to see the movie.