Feature2007·80m·7.2

Helvetica

Typography, Graphic Design and Global Visual Culture

Documentary

Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.

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Cast

Michael Bierut

Himself

Neville Brody

Himself

David Carson

Himself

Manfred Schulz

Himself

Massimo Vignelli

Himself

Rick Poynor

Himself

Wim Crouwel

Himself

Matthew Carter

Himself

Alfred Hoffmann

Himself

Mike Parker

Himself

Otmar Hoefer

Himself

Bruno Steinert

Himself

Hermann Zapf

Himself

Leslie Savan

Herself

Tobias Frere-Jones

Himself

Jonathan Hoefler

Himself

Erik Spiekermann

Himself

Lars Müller

Himself

Paula Scher

Herself

Stefan Sagmeister

Himself

Details

Status
Released
Original language
English
Languages
English, German
Budget
Revenue
Age rating
Quality
4K UHD · HDR10 · Dolby Vision
Production
Swiss DotsVeer

Crew

Director

Gary Hustwit

Shelby Siegel

Editor

Gallery

Reviews

Sheldon Nylander

9/2/2019

8.0

"Helvetica" is a surprisingly interesting documentary about the creation and influence of a font. Yes, a font. Yet, the story behind it is more interesting than you might believe, not to mention the influence it's had since its creation, both by its design and by the creation of an anti-Helvetica faction that rebels against its button-down and now traditional design. The influence of that rebellion alone is actually quite interesting, and as you watch this film you realize the design and the work that's gone on behind the scenes for things that we see every day and likely take for granted. Afterall, someone had to invent it at some point (like I've always said, the first person who figured out that you could drink cows' milk had to have been really weird). Worth a look, both for graphic design nerds as well as those simply curious about what's really behind the scenes of everyday things.

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