Camouflage

Camouflage written, directed and mostly acted in this failed drama. The supporting cast did a wonderful job in their perspective roles, but the ego of the director/writer to put himself in front of the camera (and all over the movie poster) as the lead was a bad casting decision which dragged the film down. Cowan's lack of experience really came through. Sadly, with Cowan as the lead, the dry script and the bland directing, Camouflage is hard to sit through from start to finish. But there are some upsides to Camouflage. Amrita Acharia, Claude Knowlton, Brandon Winner and William Leon did a great job with their roles. Their lines flowed and they were really able to express a range of emotion that you would expect from experienced talent. Cowan, being in the lead, his delivery was one-dimensional and it was really hard to get involved in the story line because the acting was so painful to watch. The upside to Camouflage is that it's free so even if you attempt to watch it and don't like it the pain of the experience isn't worsened by having spent your money to see it. As a director you only get to debut once and this was a hard fail.

This movie was awful! I was anticipating the release like a couple others I am sure and now I see why they decided to make it free. Honestly I didn't even finish the movie that is how bad it was. The director was also the main actor and I guess that should have been a huge warning because of course he is going to think that all of his scenes are great. As a director and actor I think he was too close to the project. Stick to one or the other, act or direct but never both at the same time. In all the trailers it was mainly the director so I think this was his little soapbox. I would say save your money but since it is free save your time! Even the scene transitions were horrible and painfully obvious so maybe he was the editor too? The camera angles seemed like the camera was constantly on a tripod or propped up somewhere for the shoot since the director was busy dominating the scenes.

I can't possibly do this film or the cast justice. Camouflage has emotional directness, narrative boldness, visual audacity, and will prod you into filling in the psychological gaps for yourself like a cinematic Rorschach. Kyle T. Cowan and Amrita Acharia are stunning in their parts as is the entire cast. I absolutely loved it and I'm sure it will send many big messages in a brilliant way.

I thought the direction was brilliantly creative and the editing and camera work help you to feel that your own emotional stability is mirroring the lead character's.

Watch it. Think about it. Watch it again.

Amazing talent come together to create an intensely haunting and thought provoking film, and hopefully a narrative to engender change. Camouflage is a timely movie, given the frequency with which the subject matter occurs. The acting is raw and emotional. This is especially true of Kyle Cowan who plays Austin. What you get in the end is a brilliant portrayal of how people fall apart and lives get destroyed when we don't care enough, hide behind social stigma, and don't see people as value. I dare anyone to watch and not be moved into action. Kudos to the actors for their execution and to Kyle Cowan for a solid writing plot. Will I recommend? Definitely

Kyle T. Cowan is an amazing one man powerhouse. He wrote, directed, produced and starred in this movie. That's an incredible amount of work and effort, and he does it all for an important message that needs to be heard by everyone. The message is difficult to hear, and sometimes difficult to watch on screen, because it is so powerful and emotional. But this is the type of story that needs to be told. Kyle's acting in the lead role is intense and deep, and worth watching.

This film is a great example of someone with a passion for a subject, who does something about it. Controversial topics are always a risky choice in art, because people who do not agree with your point of view will find ways to denigrate the project, and put it down, just because they don't like the subject matter. I have great respect for Kyle, and his courage to make a film about such sensitive and controversial issues.

I hope this film continues to get exposure, and sparks conversation and action in our communities. Great work, Kyle, and all the cast and crew!