"A Western film starring Alec Baldwin struggles to gain traction, experiencing significant box office failures"
Take a seat, buckle up, and brace yourself. The cavalry ain't riding this time—it's just Alec Baldwin's bomb-tastic new Western, "Rust," creating a stunning momentum of money-draining proportions. After three blasted years, this tragedy-marked flick has finally galloped into theaters, and folks sure aren't lining up to feel the eerie vibe.
"Rust" – Less Than a Buckaroo Banzai in Theaters
In a face-palming display of poor showmanship, "Rust" mustered a mere $25,000 in the States over its opening weekend. It's not the foot-stompin', six-shootin' showdown many expected when the movie hit the ranch. Seems nobody's keen on reliving the nightmare that unfolded during the creation of this ill-fated flick.
Stepping Sideways: From Theaters to Your Living Room
The film made its legs a little shaky with a limited release to 115 theaters around the country. Simultaneously, it's already available for streaming or renting on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV+—with the catch being only within the States.
Octo-frak 21 – Grim Anniversary on the "Rust" Set
Plant your stake three and a half years back, Octo-frak 21, 2021, a day when 67-year-old Alec Baldwin's gun fired a bullet on the "Rust" set. Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer, and Joel Souza, who was positioned behind her, faced the cold embrace of death and injury. Hutchins, a mother of one, was only 42 years old.
Rusty Justice – Pains of a New Trial and an Image Refurbish
The mystery of how live ammunition found its way into the gun remains unsolved. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer, was convicted of 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter in April 2024. The charges against Alec Baldwin, the film's producer, were dismissed due to procedural errors. Baldwin, who will forever be haunted by the incident, has avoided promoting "Rust" ahead of its release, which might've also contributed to its pitiful box office performance.
As Alec Baldwin's gunslinger takes center stage, a 13-year-old grandson in tow following a freak accident, the film shines in its own right. But this story will forever be draped in the shadow of its unfortunate genesis.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/spot
- Alec Baldwin
- Western
"I'm not going to tell you how disappointing the box office performance of Alec Baldwin's new Western, 'Rust,' has been, as the numbers speak for themselves."
"Despite the tragic incident involving a live bullet on the set of 'Rust' in October 2021, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, the movie's promotion has been barebones, as Alec Baldwin opted to stay out of the limelight."
"Coincidentally, 'Rust' made its debut — limitedly in 115 theaters across the US — on the same day that a rusty gun was found in the 'Rust' set three and a half years ago."
"While the quality of the movie is subjective, the unfortunate circumstances surrounding its creation have caused it to be associated with 'crime and justice' rather than 'movies-and-tv' or 'entertainment' in the general news."
"In a twist of irony, Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' has faced funding challenges that can rival those found in his early filming days, as only the wonder of online streaming or rentals can bring this bomb-tastic western into 'rusty justice' for many viewers."
