Helvetica

Aroview: Treading unique, uncharted documentary territory is this lively case study on the ubiquitous typeface Helvetica, loved and loathed in equal parts for its functionality, monotony, and universal application.

Weighted neither for nor against, dir. Huswit’s film asks both detractors and followers to state their case for the titular font (notable keynote speakers include Erik Spiekermann, Michael Bierut and David Carson). Holds firm as a neutral and educational perspective on graphic design history, although is far from a dry account, with newcomers to the world of typography having the most to gain from its eye-opening revelations about the seemingly everyday.

NZ International Film Festival 2007