Movie Review : Helvetica (2007)

Helvetica is a feature-length documentary film created by Gary Hustwit about the Helvetica sans-serif typeface. Leading graphic and type designers share their thoughts and viewpoints to the font, typography, and design.

The movie was released in 2007 to coincide with the type's 50th anniversary since it's introduction in 1957.

The Helvetica typeface was created by Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann for Haas'sche Schriftgiesserei (Haas type foundry) at Münchenstein, Switzerland to compete with the success of Akzidenz Grotesk typeface in the Swiss market.

The Haas Foundry was controlled by German type foundry Stempel, who is controlled by Linotype.

Helvetica was originally named 'Neue Haas Grotesk'. The marketing director of Stempel wants to rename it as 'Helvetia' - latin name of Switzerland. However, Hoffmann finds it inappropriate. He suggested 'Helvetica' as it meant 'Swiss'. The font was marketed internationally in 1961.

Graphic designers have a huge role to subconsciously talk to people through design and typography by guiding, directing and informing them. Choosing the right typeface (one of the factors in design) can attract or push people away.

Helvetica has been the chosen font by businesses for corporate identity and advertisements for its clean, legible letters.

Everywhere we look, even from afar, no matter how small, the font exists. It's quite ubiquitous but we seldom notice it 'cause it's just there, fixed.

Helvetica is the right choice for businesses but we should not limit or box ourselves to the modern typefaces today for each typeface has their unique way to communicate to people.

More information at HelveticaFilm.com

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