In a recent appearance on "Club Random" with Bill Maher, acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino shared his thoughts on the responsibility of actors and armorers when it comes to the handling of guns on movie sets. The discussion arose in the context of the tragic incident on the set of the film "Rust," where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life after a firearm discharged in the hands of actor Alec Baldwin.

Tarantino, known for his extensive experience on film sets, acknowledged that while the armorer bears the majority of responsibility (around 90%) for the safety of the weapons, the actor also holds a certain level of responsibility (approximately 10%). Highlighting the actor's role as a partner in maintaining safety, Tarantino emphasized that it is crucial for everyone involved to take their responsibility seriously.

During the conversation, Maher asked Tarantino about the measures taken to ensure the safety of firearms on set. Tarantino explained that the gun is usually shown to the actor, and if there are any steps to be followed, they are carried out with utmost care and due diligence.

Maher questioned whether the actor should physically inspect the barrel of the gun, to which Tarantino responded that actually shooting the gun is not an option, as it would involve using it. Instead, the industry practice involves showing the actor that the barrel is clear and demonstrating the presence of blanks inside the gun.

The "Rust" case saw both tragic loss of life and legal implications. While Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter charge was dismissed mid-trial due to withheld evidence, the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving an 18-month sentence. Reed intends to appeal the decision following Baldwin's case dismissal.

Baldwin's defense argued that gun safety was not the actor's responsibility, stating that his role was solely to portray the character and that the weapon should have been deemed safe before being handed to him.

The incident on the set of "Rust" brought to the forefront the importance of strict protocols and meticulous adherence to safety measures during the handling of firearms in film productions. The tragic event ignited discussions within the industry regarding the necessary precautions and shared responsibility to prevent such accidents and ensure the safety of all those involved.

As investigations continue and court proceedings unfold, the focus remains on implementing comprehensive safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and upholding the shared responsibility of actors and armorers to maintain a safe working environment on movie sets.