Camouflage 2002
"Most people's mums are mad. Mine's got schizophrenia."
Jonathan Hodgson's Camouflage (2002) blends striking animation with raw live-action footage to explore what it's like to grow up with a parent living with schizophrenia.
Director: Jonathan Hodgson
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camouflage (2002) about?
Camouflage (2002) delves into the complex experience of a child whose mother's schizophrenia reshapes their perception of home and family. Through a mix of animation and live-action, the film illustrates how innocence erodes under the weight of erratic behavior and unpredictable reality shifts.
Who directed Camouflage?
Camouflage was directed by Jonathan Hodgson, a filmmaker known for innovative animated storytelling that often bridges the emotional and the experimental.
Who stars in Camouflage?
The film features Lydia Pala and Alice Keane as the young protagonists, with additional support from Tom Wallis, Naomi Seekings, and David Benson.
Is Camouflage (2002) worth watching?
Despite its short runtime, Camouflage (2002) offers a powerful, thought-provoking take on mental health seldom seen in animation. While its brevity may limit its narrative depth, its visual boldness and emotional honesty make it a standout short film worth discovering.
How long is Camouflage?
Camouflage runs for approximately 8 minutes.
About Camouflage (2002) — An Animated Short Tackling Schizophrenia Through a Child's Eyes
Jonathan Hodgson's Camouflage (2002) blends striking animation with raw live-action footage to explore what it's like to grow up with a parent living with schizophrenia. Through the eyes of a child, everyday moments—school runs, family meals—begin to twist into unsettling hallucinations, capturing the slow unraveling of reality. The film's mixed-media style mirrors the fragmented perception of its young protagonist, whose world becomes increasingly surreal as parental behavior veers from eccentric to disturbing.
Lydia Pala and Alice Keane lead the emotional journey, their performances anchoring the film's poignant reflection on mental health and generational trauma. With a runtime under ten minutes yet a lasting impact, Camouflage stands as a bold, haunting snapshot of invisible struggles, proving that even the briefest stories can leave the deepest impressions.