Quentin Tarantino, known for his outspoken views and cinematic flair, has recently made headlines for his forthright commentary on the tragic shooting incident that occurred on the set of 'Rust.'

  • Quentin Tarantino spoke to Bill Maher
  • THIS was his take on the 'Rust' shooting
  • Quentin is not fully convinced

The tragedy that won't quit

Appearing on Bill Maher's 'Club Random' podcast he was asked about the whole thing. Maher asked the filmmaker, "How can it be [Baldwin’s] fault — like either you think he purposely shot that cinematographer or you think he didn’t purposely shoot her. And if he didn’t purposely shoot her, then it’s all f-ing bullsh-. Am I wrong?"

"No," Tarantino responded. "I think I’m being fair enough to say that the armorer, the guy who hands him the gun, is 90 percent responsible for everything that happens when it comes to that gun." The director did opine, however, that "the actor is 10 percent responsible" in this type of situation. 

"It’s a gun. You are a partner in the responsibility to some degree," Tarantino continued. 

"What do you do to test it?” wondered Maher. "They show it to you. If there are steps to go through, you go through them and it’s done with due diligence. And you know it’s f-ing for real."

Tarantino explained that if Baldwin "went through the steps that he’s supposed to go through, then he [should know better]." Those steps include making sure that “the barrel is clear, that there’s not anything wedged in between” and being shown the blanks used for the scene.

The incident, which saw Alec Baldwin inadvertently discharge a firearm, leading to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, has sparked a renewed debate on safety protocols in the film industry. Tarantino’s remarks add a significant voice to the ongoing discourse.

Tarantino, whose films are often celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail and cinematic precision, has voiced his concerns about the industry's handling of firearms on set. He argues that the tragedy on the "Rust" set highlights a critical need for stricter safety measures and more rigorous training for those handling weapons. His position underscores a broader, urgent call for change within an industry that has long been known for its fast-paced and sometimes reckless environment.

Responsibility shared

In his commentary, Tarantino does not shy away from addressing the gravity of the situation. He emphasizes that the incident is not just a cautionary tale but a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with film production. Tarantino’s call to action advocates for a systematic overhaul of how firearms are managed on set, suggesting that the industry must adopt more stringent safety standards and protocols.

The response to Tarantino’s remarks has been mixed. While some industry professionals agree with his assessment, others argue that such tragedies are rare and that existing protocols are generally sufficient. Nonetheless, Tarantino’s input serves as a crucial contribution to the debate, pushing for an industry-wide reassessment of safety practices.

As the film industry grapples with the implications of the 'Rust' incident, Tarantino's voice is a clarion call for accountability and reform.

His insistence on addressing the core issues surrounding firearm safety on set reflects a broader desire for a safer working environment for all involved. In the wake of such a devastating event, his advocacy for change is both timely and necessary, urging the industry to confront and rectify its shortcomings.

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In conclusion, Tarantino’s bold stance is a reminder of the power of dialogue in driving meaningful change.

As the film industry reflects on this tragic event, it is imperative that voices like his are heard, ensuring that such incidents become a catalyst for genuine and lasting improvements in safety protocols.