Joel Souza, the director of the movie "Rust," has spoken publicly for the first time since the tragic on-set incident involving Alec Baldwin that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Souza revealed that although he physically survived the incident, a part of him feels like it did not.

Reflecting on the incident that occurred during filming in New Mexico on October 21, 2021, Souza explained that when he says it "ruined" him, he's referring to the internal changes he experienced. The person he was before the tragedy "just went away."

During a rehearsal, a prop gun held by Baldwin misfired, firing a live round of ammunition towards the crew behind the camera. Hutchins was tragically shot in the chest, while Souza sustained injuries as remnants from the ammunition lodged in his shoulder. This devastating event prompted a series of investigations and legal proceedings that lasted for three years.

Although Souza refrained from publicly discussing the ordeal, he stated that the recent verdicts have had a profound impact on him, causing him to feel "just awful in general." He emphasized that nothing about this situation was fair or deserved, and the consequences have been devastating for everyone involved.

Souza praised Hutchins as a talented cinematographer and a supportive presence on set. He expressed the irony that their film, "Rust," centered around a boy accidentally shooting someone, with Baldwin playing the child's grandfather who comes to his rescue.

Despite creative disputes with Baldwin during the film's production, Souza and the actor, who also served as a producer, returned a year and a half after the accident to complete the movie. Souza attributed this decision to their desire to preserve and honor Hutchins's final work.

Souza debunked claims that the film's small budget or hectic schedule played a role in the tragic incident. He acknowledged that mistakes were made, particularly in regards to ammunition and safety protocols. The prop armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for loading the live round into the prop gun, while an assistant director, Dave Halls, accepted a plea bargain for negligent use of a firearm.

Souza agreed that the cause of the accident was the live bullet being loaded into the prop gun, attributing all subsequent events to that single act. He emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their roles in the tragedy.

"Rust" was ultimately completed in March, with the help of cinematographer Bianca Cline. Souza made it a priority to include as much of Hutchins's work as possible in the final movie, excluding the scene being filmed during the accident, which has since been cut.

The director's interview shed light on the emotional toll and aftermath of the tragic incident that shook the film industry. Souza's candid reflections serve as a reminder of the profound impact such incidents can have on the lives and careers of those involved.