| Quick Answer Alec Baldwin documentary details have emerged after director Rory Kennedy shared his true reaction.Alec Baldwin did not enjoy watching the new film about his own life. Director Rory Kennedy says he “really, really, really didn’t like it.” The film, called The Trial of Alec Baldwin, shows his lowest moments after the Rust shooting, and he found it hard to watch. |
Alec Baldwin has spent the last few years in the public eye for all the wrong reasons. Now there’s a documentary about that exact period of his life, and he’s finally seen it. So, what did he think? Short answer: he hated it. Long answer: it’s a bit more complicated than that, and it says a lot about who Baldwin really is. Let’s break it down in plain, simple terms.
What Is “The Trial of Alec Baldwin” About?
The Trial Of Alec Baldwin is a documentary directed by well known filmmaker Rory Kennedy. The film details Alec Baldwin’s life since the 2021 Rust shooting incident. During the incident Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer was fatally shot. Baldwin was using the prop gun when the incident occurred. He was later charged with involuntary manslaughter, however his case was dropped by a judge in 2024 due to mishandled evidence.
Kennedy documented Alec Baldwin’s trial, however she also documented his life over the course of years. Including his relationships, family life and public backlash. The film had its premiere at the DOC NYC festival in late 2025 and was released in cinemas on the 1st October 2026 via distributor Abramorama.
Alec Baldwin’s First Reaction to the Documentary
How did Baldwin feel while watching a film depicting his worst days?
Director Rorie Kennedy described how Baldwin was feeling when she spoke on one of the panels at SCAD. Wu said, “He didn’t really like it. Not really, really, really!” here is a direct quote.
Kennedy is filmed saying how hard it was to watch the film because it made Baldwin feel the “full weight” of everything he had been through. Including loosing various acting roles, negative comments online and from the press and putting extra strain on his family. Baldwin has seven children with his wife Hilaria so it definitely put an extra pressure on him.
Baldwin describes watching the film as for “all of you, there’s gonna be so much of me at absolute rock bottom!” while filming.
Why Did Baldwin React This Way?
A few reasons stand out here, based on what the filmmakers have shared.
The film does not shy away from showing some difficult moments. There are scenes of paparazzi harassing and asking direct questions about the shooting. His ex-wife also plays a part in the story which made it hard for Kennedy to watch but she felt it was necessary to show the whole story.
Baldwin gave Kennedy complete creative freedom. He did not get paid to take part and had no control over how it was edited. This is a bold decision but means he had to watch his life being portrayed exactly how someone else wanted to show it.
The filming began before Baldwin knew his legal case was going to be dropped meaning there are many raw moments of stress and fear in the documentary.
What the Director Said About His Response
Kennedy went on to explain why she feels the film was fair and important for Baldwin. She explains how he is a “very caring, emotional person” and although he does have flaws when it comes to being on camera, she feels the documentary gives a better insight into what really happened to him.
Kennedy also mentioned at an earlier screening in Oregon that the idea for the documentary wasn’t Baldwin’s. She pitched the idea to him. This is important because it shows Baldwin gave in to something that he had no creative control over.
Is There More to the Story?
Yes, some reports (like this one from RadarOnline) say that Baldwin is also hoping this will help turn his life around. Sources close to Baldwin say he is hoping the public can have more empathy for what he has had to go through. This has not been confirmed by Baldwin himself so it should be used as a second hand source.
In any case the documentary shows that Baldwin has been struggling with the aftermath of the tragedy in his career and public image.
Is the Documentary Available to Watch Now?
The Trial of Alec Baldwin opened in New York on October 1, 2026, and rolled out to more cities, including Los Angeles, through October. Check your local theatre listings or the distributor’s official channels for the latest showtimes near you.
Quick Answers (FAQ)
Q: Did Alec Baldwin like the documentary about him?
A: No. Director Rory Kennedy said he “really, really, really didn’t like it.”
Q: What is the documentary called?
A: The Trial of Alec Baldwin, directed by Rory Kennedy.
Q: What is the documentary about?
A: It covers the 2021 Rust shooting, Baldwin’s manslaughter case, and his life in the years that followed.
Q: Did Baldwin have control over how the film turned out?
A: No. He gave the director full creative control and wasn’t paid for his part in it.
Q: When did the documentary come out?
A: It opened in theatres on October 1, 2026, starting in New York.
Q: Was Baldwin found guilty in the Rust case?
A: No. A judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge in 2024, and prosecutors later withdrew their appeal.
Sources and Further Reading
The Hollywood Reporter – Alec Baldwin “Really, Really Didn’t Like” Documentary About Him, Filmmakers Say – https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/trial-of-alec-baldwin-scad-rory-kennedy-1236742989/
Deadline – Director Rory Kennedy On The Trial Of Alec Baldwin – https://deadline.com/2026/10/the-trial-of-alec-baldwin-director-rory-kennedy-interview-1237154646/
Global News – Alec Baldwin says new documentary on Rust shooting shows ‘me at my worst’ – https://globalnews.ca/news/12055782/the-trial-of-alec-baldwin-documentary-trailer/
