‘Rust’ Director Joel Souza Shares Why Alec Baldwin Shooting “Ruined” Him

Joel Souza, the director of Rust who was shot by Alec Baldwin in the accident that killed Halyna Hutchins, shared his emotional experience in a new Vanity Fair interview. He says he only remembers the incident in “quick flashes,” but feels deep grief over the loss of Hutchins. “I felt like, ‘Wow, this is somebody that I feel a really instant bond with.’” he said. “I had hoped it was a bad dream.” Despite initial doubts, Souza decided to finish the film in her honor, highlighting the importance of showcasing her final work. But the tragedy has had lasting effects. “When I tell someone it ruined me, I don’t mean in the sense that people might generally think,” he explained. “I don’t mean that it put my career in ruins. I mean, internally, the person I was just went away. That stopped.” (Vanity Fair)