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Documentary Reflects on the Life of Halyna Hutchins
In the aftermath of Halyna Hutchins’ untimely death, she has been primarily recognized for the tragic circumstances surrounding her life. However, director Rachel Mason, through her Hulu documentary “Last Take: ‘Rust and the Story of Halyna,” seeks to shed light on Hutchins as the artist she was, rather than merely a victim of fate.
Mason expressed her frustration with the public perception that has framed Hutchins solely as a tragic figure. “What I hated to see was that she was seen as this sort of tragic victim because that’s the exact opposite of who she was,” she remarked in an interview. “She was motivated, forthright, and distinctly not a person you would think of as a victim.”
The documentary, now available for streaming on Hulu, showcases an intimate view of Hutchins by blending interviews with the cast and crew of “Rust,” as well as insights from director Joel Souza and Hutchins’ family. The film documents the unfortunate accident that occurred during the filming of the indie Western, along with the extensive investigations and legal battles that followed. Mason also gained special access to the resumed production of “Rust” in 2023, allowing her to highlight how the crew honored Hutchins’ legacy as they completed the film.
The trailer for “Last Take: ‘Rust and the Story of Halyna” can be viewed below:
Throughout her discussions regarding “Last Take,” Mason has emphasized the balancing act involved in producing the film. She aimed to cater to the public’s curiosity about the infamous incident while simultaneously portraying Hutchins as the creative individual she was, recognized for her significant contributions to “Rust.”
“More than giving her authorship, I wanted her to have agency in death,” Mason stated. “No one deserves to be overshadowed by the circumstances of their death and not understood as a person. Examining what Halyna was doing in the moments leading up to her death was fundamentally tied to her identity.”
Mason shared insights about her six-year friendship with Hutchins, discussing their creative partnerships and the depth of their artistic relationship through contributions and collaborations. The following interview snippets provide a glimpse into their unique bond and Hutchins’ substantial impact on Mason’s work.
In earlier interviews, you mentioned first meeting Halyna Hutchins in 2015. Can you elaborate on how your relationship evolved as artistic collaborators?
When I returned to L.A., I was transitioning from the visual arts into filmmaking. Halyna was in the midst of her own journey to becoming a cinematographer. Upon meeting her, I noticed her enthusiasm and ambition as she pursued opportunities to explore her craft. We initially bonded over a script I had written, which fascinated her. Together, we developed various smaller-scale projects that were precursors to a larger experimental rock opera.
What was the project titled?
It was called “The Singularity Song.” I collaborated with Nobel astrophysicists and incorporated their insights into a visually stunning piece Halyna shot beautifully, while another project explored the concept of supernovas. It strikingly reflects on the theme of a star’s death—either as a collapse into a black hole or as a supernova explosion —which now resonates profoundly given the circumstances surrounding Halyna’s passing.
Besides the projects you developed together, was there another work of yours that she particularly connected with?
Halyna was incredibly supportive of my 2019 documentary, “Circus of Books.” She attended the premiere and consistently showed up for my performances, whether at official shows or informal house parties. Her unwavering support extended to all her friends, making her a truly encouraging presence in a competitive industry.
In “Last Take,” there’s a moment when Bianca Cline, the cinematographer completing “Rust,” explores Halyna’s production notes. What new insights about Halyna did you uncover during the documentary’s creation?
Accessing Halyna’s private world felt voyeuristic, yet it also deepened my admiration for her. I discovered her meticulous attention to detail in logistics, which I had not fully appreciated before. Her communication skills and the volume of notes she kept on various projects and contacts underscored her dedication as an independent artist and how she navigated challenges while fostering creativity.
Was the initial focus on the filmmaking process and the stories of those involved always part of the documentary’s structure?
As I realized the film would revolve around “Rust,” I recognized that it needed to convey how deeply Halyna was connected to it. Her excitement about various elements of the film—like specific colors and imagery—contributed to the overall narrative. Many cast and crew members shared detailed stories that reflected her passion, changing how I viewed the project.
How do you believe Halyna’s spirit and legacy will impact your future artistic endeavors?
Halyna’s presence feels palpable as I navigate my work. Currently, I am engaged in a new project involving a murder investigation, and her voice resonates with me, urging me forward. Whenever I face uncertainty, I hear her encouraging me to persevere. Her memory continues to influence my perspective and approach to filmmaking.
Source
www.thewrap.com