In a heartfelt interview with Vanity Fair, director Joel Souza opened up about the fatal incident that took place during a rehearsal on the set of the movie "Rust," where he was shot by Alec Baldwin, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of talented cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Recalling the harrowing moment, Souza admitted that his memories were hazy, attributing it to the overwhelming noise. He described the sensation as though he had been kicked by a horse or struck with a bat, causing complete numbness on the right side of his body accompanied by excruciating pain.

The director confessed to having "quick flashes" of the traumatic event, expressing his initial anger and fury. He vividly remembered looking up to see Hutchins being lowered, blood seeping through her white shirt. The rapidity of the incident left him in shock, unable to comprehend the surreal turn of events.

Speaking about the profound impact of the tragedy, Souza expressed how it profoundly changed him as a person. He explained that it wasn't just his career that was affected, but something within him had fundamentally shifted. The incident had caused a profound internal transformation.

Souza also shared his deep sense of connection with Hutchins, mourning her untimely death. He revealed the immediate bond he felt with her and his initial hope of waking up from a terrible dream. As the aftermath unfolded, grief washed over him, and he found himself trying to piece together the shattered fragments of his life, acknowledging the immense disbelief that persisted.

Initially, Souza contemplated abandoning the completion of the film "Rust," but ultimately decided to honor Hutchins by seeing it through. Financially supporting her family was a significant motivating factor, as he expressed his belief in the importance of showcasing her final work. He emphasized that the film's completion held significance for those who cared about Hutchins and appreciated her talent, considering it a cathartic experience.

In light of the tragedy, Souza revealed that the original shooting scene in the film had been scrapped. However, every effort had been made to preserve and honor Hutchins' involvement by retaining the scenes she had worked on.

The interview concluded with Souza's determination to ensure that Hutchins' last work would be seen. He firmly believed that if the situation were reversed, Hutchins would advocate for his final work to be showcased, underscoring the emotional catharsis that it could provide for those who admired her and valued her contributions.

The shooting incident on the set of "Rust" continues to serve as a potent reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur during the creation of art, leaving the industry and the world grappling with the loss of a talented individual.