Rating of
3/4
Sharp and Interesting
Franz Patrick - wrote on 05/24/08
I've never really thought about the role of the font type called Helvetica until I saw this documentary. For an hour and twenty minute film, it managed to provide a colorful spectrum of insights about the font and why those people have such strong opinions about it. At times it is amusing to watch because the people that are being interviewed have such passion to the point where they would rant and sound histrionic. For instance, this one lady believes that the font of the Vietnam War was Helvetica; she rejects that war and that's why she, too, rejects the font. When asked what kind of font governs the Iraqi War, she responds somewhere along the lines of "Helvetica. It's the same war!" I don't know, I thought that was sharp and funny. The mini intermissions are fascinating as well because it shows how much Helvetica is all around us, not just in English but other languages as well. I liked how the people being interviewed managed to connect the font with corporations, uniformity, and hegemony. The history behind the font is very educational. So, this film is not just about the font. It's about how the font manages to surround, or even control, everything around us; how it psychologically plays with our minds when companies are trying to sell us products, or if we simply crave for something tangible as a reward. In under ninety minutes, this picture managed to do all that in a meaningful way and it must be appreciated. This documentary is focused, interesting, and amusing. Best of all, it feels fresh.
