Helvetica
2006
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 .. Read more
| Starring | Erik Spiekermann, Matthew Carter, Massimo Vignelli, Wim Crouwel |
|---|---|
| Director | Gary Hustwit |
| Genres | Documentary |
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Helvetica
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.
Interviewees in HELVETICA include some of the most illustrious and innovative names in the design world, including Erik Spiekermann, Matthew Carter, Massimo Vignelli, Wim Crouwel, Hermann Zapf, Neville Brody, Stefan Sagmeister, Michael Bierut, David Carson, Paula Scher, Jonathan Hoefler, Tobias Frere-Jones, Experimental Jetset, Michael C. Place, Norm, Alfred Hoffmann, Mike Parker, Bruno Steinert, Otmar Hoefer, Leslie Savan, Rick Poynor, Lars Müller, and many more.
| Starring | Erik Spiekermann, Matthew Carter, Massimo Vignelli, Wim Crouwel |
|---|---|
| Director | Gary Hustwit |
| Studio | PLEXI FILM |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 20 mins Blu-ray: 1 hr 25 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Documentary |
| Language | DVD: English Blu-ray: English |
| Subtitles | Blu-ray: German, English |
| Released | DVD: 26 Nov 2007 Blu-ray: 26 May 2008 Production year: 2006 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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Could first-time American director Gary Hustwit be the architect of a New Banal documentary movement? With... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
How can font be so interesting??
Helvetica is a gently paced documentary exploring typography and design through the past century, focussing on the ubiquitous font, Helvetica. Geeky? You betcha! But also very interesting, if you have any interest at in visual communication, you'll appreciate the detailed discussions both for and against Helvetica. Plus, it's a great insight into how a font is designed, what makes a font work, how the meaning of something can be affected by font, etc.
I would not recommend this film to anyone who isn't interested on some level in graphic design, but if you are it is interesting, informative and quite eye opening! One viewing, and you'll be spotting Helvetica all over the place!!
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- Ange from London
- Posted 10 Apr 2008 16:44
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Most recent members' review
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Made in Switzerland
You don't believe a feature-length documentary about a single typeface could hold your interest? Neither did I, but this held mine.
I'd give it more than three stars except that it occasionally dips its thumb into the tempting tart of political correctness.
Otherwise: strongly recommend. -
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