The cinematography by late Halyna Hutchins is indeed breathtaking. However, her untimely death on the set of the movie Rust raises serious questions about the film’s completion and quality. Despite these moral concerns, the movie has arrived, primarily showcasing Hutchins’ exceptional skill.
The opening minutes of Rust establish a visually stunning tone, reminiscent of classic westerns like The Searchers and True Grit. The dark tones and rich imagery are notable, with silhouettes on eerie landscapes that demonstrate Hutchins’ talent. However, these strengths cannot compensate for the film’s numerous weaknesses.
Baldwin stars as Rust, an outlaw who takes in a young prisoner, Lucas (Patrick Scott McDermott), after discovering he is his grandson. As they embark on a perilous journey to Mexico, their bond grows stronger, but the film fails to deliver compelling performances and confusing characters.
Baldwin’s desire to make an old-fashioned western is apparent, but his portrayal falls short of expectations. Even with a more nuanced backstory, Rust feels underdeveloped and uninteresting. The supporting cast is equally disappointing, with too many characters reciting lengthy dialogue that blends together.
Despite the impressive cinematography, the film’s pacing issues and lack of standout character actors make it a tedious watch. Baldwin’s gunfight scenes are particularly uncomfortable, making the prolonged denouement even more grueling. However, Hutchins’ outstanding work is the only saving grace, rendering the film worth watching despite its shortcomings.
Rust will be released in US cinemas and digitally on May 2, with a UK date to be announced.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/01/rust-alec-baldwin-review