‘Rust’ Director Opens Up About Emotional Turmoil After Alec Baldwin Shooting Incident.. It Ruined Me

In a recent interview, ‘Rust’ director Joel Souza shared his harrowing experience after the on-set shooting involving Alec Baldwin. The incident, which occurred in October 2021, resulted in the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and left Souza deeply affected. On August 15, 2024, he revealed that he wished to “bleed out” following the traumatic event, feeling “ruined” internally.

Souza’s reflections highlight the emotional toll of the shooting and his ongoing struggles with mental health since the tragedy.

Key takeaways:

• Joel Souza felt “ruined” after the shooting.
• He wished he wouldn’t wake up post-accident.
• Souza faced nightmares and sought therapy.
• Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted in the case.

Joel Souza Discusses the Emotional Impact of the ‘Rust’ Shooting Incident

Joel Souza, the director of ‘Rust’, has bravely shared his feelings following the tragic shooting that occurred on set. In the interview, he expressed a sense of hopelessness immediately after the incident, stating that he wished he would “bleed out” instead of facing life without Halyna Hutchins. The emotional scars from that day have lingered, leading to nightmares and a search for therapy that he found unhelpful. Despite the pain, he acknowledges the importance of his responsibilities to loved ones.

The Aftermath: Joel Souza’s Ongoing Struggles with Mental Health

In the months following the shooting, Souza experienced severe mental health challenges. He began having nightmares that disrupted his sleep and left him in distress. Despite attending multiple therapy sessions, he struggled to find relief. His journey highlights the profound impact that traumatic events can have on mental well-being.

Legal Consequences of the ‘Rust’ Shooting Incident

The legal ramifications of the ‘Rust’ shooting have been significant. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Alec Baldwin, who was charged with the same offense, had his trial dismissed due to mishandled evidence. These developments underscore the serious nature of safety protocols in the film industry.

• Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sentenced to 18 months.
• Alec Baldwin’s trial dismissed over evidence issues.
• Importance of safety on film sets emphasized.

For more details on the ‘Rust’ shooting and its aftermath, visit Vanity Fair.