A Western Perspective: Rust

         Howdy all! I hope you are all having a great start to the week. For this month's A Western Perspective, I thought it would be a good time to review the newly released western movie Rust. Yes, this is the western that stars Alec Baldwin that was hit with extreme tragedy when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in a on set accident involving the movie prop firearms. I think it is very important to reflect on this tragedy and hopefully movie sets will always strive to be as safe as possible and to not allow live rounds on set at any time. 

         Please know that this is not a post to defend or condemn any party involved. I pray that from that dark day, peace, grace and forgiveness can be found for all impacted. Instead I am wanting to help celebrate Halyna Hutchins' legacy and beautiful work on this western film.

        From the very beginning, this movie has great locations and really gives you that feel of the west in the late 1800's. The story is about a teenage boy named Lucas, who is trying to take care of his younger brother while keeping the family farm afloat. Through the beginning of this movie it tries and succeeds in showing just how hard that would be on one person let alone someone of such a young age. In great classic western fashion, Lucas stands up for his brother who was being bullied which turns out to be the catalyst for this movie. Lucas defends his brother by injuring the bully whose dad has come calling for the Lucas stand for the injured sons tasks and chores. The movie moves pretty quick at this point when the bully's father is shot down accidentally by Lucas. Set to hang for this, Lucas is saved by none other than his estranged grandfather, played by Alec Baldwin who is an outlaw himself. From here the movie is a chase to the end filled with lawmen with troubled home lives to a preacher like bounty hunter with dark methods throughout the story. 

        The cinematography of this movie is great in setting the era and place but also the mood at the same time. As dark toned as it is, the light comes in with little glints instead of encompassing sunshine. Even though this style was present in other movies that Haylna Hutchins' worked on in the past, for this film it adds a melancholy feeling to it.

        Alec Baldwin in this movie is also top notch. I have a soft spot in my heart for grandpa/grandson stories as it was my grandpa who got me into westerns in the first place. Baldwin's deliverance of an outlaw who will not stop at killing when it comes to his and soon his grandsons survival, gives a gritty performance. He really shows that even someone who commits dark deeds has a soul deep down somewhere. That through all the violence and darkness a light can be found for those that you love. Baldwin did a great job and I would love to see him in more westerns moving forward. 

        This movie on its own is wonderful. It makes you feel sad and hopeful at the same time while giving reconciliation at the end. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves westerns but also anyone who enjoys great film in general. Story, music, location, cinematography and the acting are all top notch in this film. 

        It is such a sad ordeal that happened on this movie set and not something that should be forgotten or made light of in any sense. I do think that celebrating Haylna Hutchins' legacy with this movie was a great idea and I am glad that the movie got to see the light of day for audiences. The movie is available on Amazon Prime to rent or buy.   

        That is it for this months A Western Perspective. I hope you all have a great week.

        Adios pardners 🤠