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Alec Baldwin’s “Rust” Now Available for Streaming, But Legacy Remains Tarnished
The controversial film “Rust,” starring Alec Baldwin, has arrived on Amazon Prime for purchase after a limited theatrical release. The movie’s production was marked by tragedy in 2021 when a prop gun discharged a live round, fatally wounding cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin, who held the weapon at the time of the incident, faced charges that were later dismissed.
Filming resumed 18 months later, a decision director Souza described as a tribute to Hutchins. However, the film’s release has been met with criticism.
Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, called the project a “two-hour reminder of Hollywood’s worst day at work” and a “quick money grab” in an interview. Schiffer further criticized the production, stating, “Rust isn’t haunted by ghosts; it’s haunted by incompetence.”
The film has garnered mixed reviews since its theatrical debut in May. While acknowledging the controversy surrounding the film may fuel viewership, Schiffer believes the incident has irrevocably damaged Baldwin’s legacy. Although the actor has attempted to move forward, including a now-canceled reality show with his family, Schiffer noted these efforts are often “met with rolling eyes and a tinge of contempt.”
Despite the negative attention, Schiffer praised Baldwin’s acting talent and expressed optimism about his potential for career recovery. “The biggest thing he has going for him is that humanity has a short memory,” Schiffer observed, suggesting that with the right project, Baldwin could reshape his public image. He added, “I hope for his sake and the sake of his family that he can get on the right path.”