Watch Dazzle: The Hidden Story of Camouflage

Dazzle: The Hidden Story of Camouflage is a documentary film directed by Ben Harding that explores the fascinating history of camouflage and its development during wartime. Released in 2015, the film features interviews with experts in the field, as well as historians, artists, and fashion designers. The movie takes its name from the dazzle camouflage technique used by the British navy during World War I. The technique involved painting ships with bold geometric patterns to confuse enemy submarines and make it difficult for them to accurately gauge the vessel's size, shape, and speed. The film explores this and other forms of camouflage used during wartime, including the use of nature-derived patterns like leaf and grass patterns and animal prints.

Throughout the film, Hardy Blechman, founder of the London-based fashion brand Maharishi, acts as the narrator and guide on the journey to discover the hidden stories behind camouflage. Blechman shares his passion for military and camouflage designs and explains how they influenced the fashion world. He shows his extensive collection of camouflage garments and reveals how the history of military camouflage has shaped the aesthetics of streetwear.

Adam Harvey, an artist who works at the intersection of art, technology, and surveillance, is also featured in the film. Harvey explains how he has used camouflage in his work to explore concepts of privacy, surveillance, and identity. His work, which includes wearable camouflage-based accessories, aims to subvert or disrupt facial recognition technology.

In addition, the film features interviews with military historians, who provide context and background on the development of camouflage technology from the early 20th century to present day. The experts discuss how military camouflage techniques have been used throughout various wars and conflicts, and how the technology has evolved over time.

The film describes the many different forms of camouflage, from traditional patterns based on nature to modern pixelated designs. The filmmakers also explore the psychological and strategic aspects of camouflage, explaining how it can be used to deceive and manipulate an enemy. Additionally, they delve deep into the artistic side of camouflage, highlighting the use of camouflage and patterns in fashion and design.

The movie also makes an interesting comparison between camouflage and Cubism, the artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Both camouflage and Cubism were revolutionary in their use of bold patterns and geometric shapes, and both challenged traditional notions of representation.

The filmmakers also explore the impact of camouflage on popular culture, from its influence on fashion to its use in music and art. The movie explains how camouflage patterns have become a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, used in everything from punk rock fashion to street art.

Overall, Dazzle: The Hidden Story of Camouflage is an engrossing and thought-provoking documentary that explores the fascinating history of camouflage and its many forms. The film provides insight into the art, science, and psychology of camouflage, and highlights its impact on both military and civilian life. With its mix of history, art, and fashion, Dazzle is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about this captivating subject.

Dazzle: The Hidden Story of Camouflage is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.