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Helvetica

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7.2/10 • 166

2007-09-121h 20m

Documentary

Typography, Graphic Design and Global Visual Culture

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.

Directors
Gary Hustwit
Editors
Shelby Siegel

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Michael Bierut

    Michael Bierut

    Himself

  2. Neville Brody

    Neville Brody

    Himself

  3. David Carson

    David Carson

    Himself

  4. Manfred Schulz

    Manfred Schulz

    Himself

  5. Massimo Vignelli

    Massimo Vignelli

    Himself

  6. Rick Poynor

    Rick Poynor

    Himself

  7. Wim Crouwel

    Wim Crouwel

    Himself

  8. Matthew Carter

    Matthew Carter

    Himself

  9. Alfred Hoffmann

    Alfred Hoffmann

    Himself

Reviews1

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Sheldon Nylander Avatar

Sheldon Nylander

Sep 2, 2019

8/10

"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.

Media

  • Helvetica poster
  • Helvetica poster
  • Helvetica poster
  • Helvetica poster
  • Helvetica poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
designeradvertisingfontgraphic designtypographymodernism