20077.2 / 101h 20mDocumentary

Helvetica

"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.

Quick Stats
7.2
TMDB Rating
179
Votes
1h 20m
Runtime
Budget
Box Office
Return
Key Crew
DirectorGary Hustwit
ComposerAndy Kris
EditorShelby Siegel
Produced by
Swiss DotsVeer

Where to Watch

Streaming
Criterion Channel
Free
Kanopy
Rent
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Buy
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store

See more on TMDB → JustWatch

Critics & Reviews

1 featured
Sheldon Nylander
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.

Written Sep 2, 2019 · read original

Cast

M
Michael Bierut
Himself
N
Neville Brody
Himself
D
David Carson
Himself
M
Manfred Schulz
Himself
M
Massimo Vignelli
Himself
R
Rick Poynor
Himself
W
Wim Crouwel
Himself
M
Matthew Carter
Himself
A
Alfred Hoffmann
Himself
M
Mike Parker
Himself
O
Otmar Hoefer
Himself
B
Bruno Steinert
Himself
H
Hermann Zapf
Himself
L
Leslie Savan
Herself
T
Tobias Frere-Jones
Himself

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