Should you watch Helvetica?
Who it’s good for, who it isn’t, and what’s in it. No ratings, no scores.

Helvetica
Documentary · 2007
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.
The sides of Helvetica
- One typeface on signs everywhere
- Designers arguing about fonts
- City streets full of lettering
Helvetica is good for you if…
- you like noticing the letters on signs, subway maps and logos.
- you're curious about the design hiding in plain sight.
- you enjoy designers arguing passionately about a font.
Helvetica is bad for you if…
- you want a documentary that follows one person, and this one follows a typeface.
- you need momentum, and talking heads lose you.
About: design · modernism · everyday life
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