Synopsis:
As Helvetica celebrates its 50th anniversary, in addition to being one of the most ubiquitous fonts in the world, it is also very controversial. Investigating the colourful history of the font, director Gary Hustwit travels to seven countries to interview outspoken designers on both side of the Helvetica divide. Is it a triumph in the history of design or akin, as one interviewee says, to dining at McDonalds? In answering that question the film becomes a fascinating exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them. You certainly won't be able to walk down a Hcity street in the same way again.
“
Don't let the mundane subject matter put you off. This is one of the wittiest, most diligently researched, slyly intelligent and quietly captivating documentaries of the year.” Time Out
Festivals
Sheffield International Documentary Festival 2007
Related Pages
Read our review of Helvetica in DFGDocs/DocReviews
Synopsis:
As Helvetica celebrates its 50th anniversary, in addition to being one of the most ubiquitous fonts in the world, it is also very controversial. Investigating the colourful history of the font, director Gary Hustwit travels to seven countries to interview outspoken designers on both side of the Helvetica divide. Is it a triumph in the history of design or akin, as one interviewee says, to dining at McDonalds? In answering that question the film becomes a fascinating exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them. You certainly won't be able to walk down a Hcity street in the same way again.
“Don't let the mundane subject matter put you off. This is one of the wittiest, most diligently researched, slyly intelligent and quietly captivating documentaries of the year.” Time Out