- Helvetica movie is about typography and graphic design and in general, about the global visual culture we live in.
- Directed by Gary Hustwit, it was released in 2007 for coincide with the 50th anniversary of Helvetica typeface which is discovered in 1957.
- The movie is about importance of typeface Helvetica and how it effects in our surroundings.
What is Typography?
- Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed.
- The arrangement of type involves selecting typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line spacing, letter spacing and adjusting the pairs of letters.
History of Helvetica:
- In 1957, Max Miedinger and Eduard Hiffmann at the Swiss Hass foundry in Switzerland introduced "Neue Hass Grotesk".
- In 1960, the typeface name was later changed to "Helvetica" derived from Helvetia, it is a latin name for Switzerland.
Helvetica Typeface:
- Helvetica is widely used sans-serif typeface.
- Helvetica has a large x-height, slightly condensed letters and clean design, which makes it a very readable typeface.
- It is a most recognizable font.
- It makes people easy to remind and identify the font.
- More then 50% of people using Helvetica.
Importance of Typeface:
- We choose best typeface in design or every where because it should be clear, it should be readable and understandable.
- If we choose correct typeface the communication will increase quickly.
- This movie has interviews of popular graphic designers, type designers and writers like shown below.
- They spoken about their opinions and experience with Helvetica.
- Erik Spiekermann
- Matthew Carter
- Massimo Vignelli
- Mike Parker
- Leslie Savan
- Neslie Brody
- Lars Muller
- Paula Scher
- David Carson
Examples for Helvetica:
- The below showing book title page is written in Helevetica font.
- From airlines, to car companies to the largest software company, Helvetica use in logo's throughout the world remains as strong ever.
- The NYC Subway system’s signs and map were changed to Helvetica in the 1970s by Massimo Vignelli.
- U.S. Government forms all use Helvetica.