A while back there was a lot of buzz about a documentary film called, Helvetica. As the name implies, it’s all about a font…
“We use it every day on our computers, we see it on street signs — and we take it for granted. Now, Gary Hustwit’s unique documentary introduces us to Helvetica, whose readability has made it the most popular font in the world. Interviews with designers and artists offer insight into the development, use and universal acceptance of Helvetica as the typeface of choice for everything from writing letters to creating corporate logos.”
I actually didn’t pay a tremendous amount of attention when it first came out. I missed it when it was in theaters. But, when the film became available on Netflix I thought I would give it a shot.
I’m really glad I did. It’s actually an excellent film. As a designer I probably have more interest than most, but I think even non-designers will find Helvetica interesting. I may have to buy this film.
My wife (an accountant and controller at a local accounting firm) and I (a graphic designer for the past pushin’ 20 years) watched this from our Netflix queue a couple weeks ago.
She was intrigued by the amount of detail and care that designers pay to their craft and work. Wha?! … I guess many people don’t really understand the time that can go into developing (in the case of Helvetica) such a well-balanced typeface that is so transparent you accept it into all aspects of your life.
I’m glad you enjoyed the flick! Gary Hustwit also has his name attached to several other great documentaries, BTW. Check out Wilco’s I’m Trying To Break Your Heart if you haven’t already. Good story masterfully told.