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.
Direction
Gary Hustwit makes talking about letterforms feel like a heist movie.
Production
Every frame is a flex—this doc looks better than most blockbusters.
Editing
Rapid-fire designer opinions that build like a crescendo of hot takes.
Director
Gary Hustwit
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film's release in 2007 coincided with Helvetica's 50th anniversary, which is either perfect timing or the most on-brand marketing possible.
This doc basically invented the 'designer as rockstar' documentary genre—without it, no Abstract: The Art of Design on Netflix.
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