Helvetica (2007)

Helvetica (2007)
Member Rating:  
In 2005 a number of provocative, award-winning ads appeared that touted the Helvetica font; Gary Hustwit explores the subject protractedly with his feature-length essay film Helvetica. The documentary, produced in 2007 (and thus commemorating the typeface's 50th anniversary), uses the omnipresent font as a lens through which it examines contemporary visual culture and how typeface is used, aesthetically, spatially, and culturally, to impart shape and character to urban environments. Hustwit then segues into a discussion with a number of acclaimed designers about their work, their creative visions and processes, and the aesthetic reasoning behind various decisions regarding font. Hustwit interviews over 20 design experts in the film, including Michael C. Place, Paula Scher, Matthew Carter, and David Carson. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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Starring:
Erik SpiekermannMatthew Carter, (more)
Director(s):
Gary Hustwit
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of Helvetica

In 2005 a number of provocative, award-winning ads appeared that touted the Helvetica font; Gary Hustwit explores the subject protractedly with his feature-length essay film Helvetica. The documentary, produced in 2007 (and thus commemorating the typeface's 50th anniversary), uses the omnipresent font as a lens through which it examines contemporary visual culture and how typeface is used, aesthetically, spatially, and culturally, to impart shape and character to urban environments. Hustwit then segues into a discussion with a number of acclaimed designers about their work, their creative visions and processes, and the aesthetic reasoning behind various decisions regarding font. Hustwit interviews over 20 design experts in the film, including Michael C. Place, Paula Scher, Matthew Carter, and David Carson. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
80 mins

Complete Cast of Helvetica


Director(s):
Gary Hustwit
Producer(s):
Gary Hustwit
Categories:
DocumentarySpecial Interest
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Member Reviews
 
Linda D.

A little documentary that is all about the font Helvetica. Yup, and it held my interest - lol! Go figure. It did feel like I was sitting in a graphics art class at times, but an interesting one. Helvetica is like air - it's everywhere (even right here in this review)

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Meagan C.

My husband is a graphic designer and obsessed with type. The only think that bothered me about this documentary was that these graphic designers talk about Helvetica as if it were a living breathing thing; it is a type, an inanimate object. That's the only thing that bothered me; other then that if you like art, the history of graphic design and type then I would suggest watching this!

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Eric H.

Review 243: a documentary half about a single important typeface in graphic desing history&half about artists bias' toward whatever they bring up.

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