Helvetica reflection

This blog is focused on the movie Helvetica produced by Gary Hustwit. The picture was taken from deviantart.com by phillyfresh

What do you feel is the message the director is trying to express in this movie? Support your answer with examples.

I like how he explained the different type phases. He said some people think that when they write the word dog it should bark. What a unique way of thinking about a font. While I type papers or look around the world I did not realize how much this font is used to promote advertisements. Thinking of a word actually presenting an action is not something I would have thought about.
I think the producer is trying to convey that typographers are often looked down upon, but their talents are actually quite valuable.

Explain if you think the director’s ethnic/cultural/professional background played a role in directing this film?

I do think the director knew when producing this film that it might promote the creativity of typographers from Sweden. Although I do not feel like this was his only reason for producing this movie. It seems he wants the world to be more aware of the various fonts that are displayed and who goes through the trouble to create them to have just the right curve or angle.

What groups (people of color, nationality, culture, class,gender etc.) may be offended or misinterpret this movie and why?

It is possible that people who are not Swedish might be offended by this film. I can see why it was named this, but when people other then the Swiss want to use it they may not like the fact that it was named by the people who created it.

What the movie added to your visual literacy?

This movie made me think a lot more about the fonts that are all around the world. Most of it is displayed in stores, although there are ads in magazines that show the text as expressive. It was also interesting to notice that in the fifties they were more apt to use fancy cursive writing. The man speaking shows a Coke ad with a glass of ice cold Coke where they use Helvetica and the point is made to "drink Coke"

What kind of artistic and/or visual means did the director use in the movie to focus our attention?

By using Helvetica you make your text appear clean and efficient. Jonathan Hoefler says that the color invites and sends an open invitation. He believes that Helvetica reveals everything.
Honestly before viewing this film I would most likely just pick a font, because of the fun design or creative font. Now I almost wonder if when using these "fun" fonts such as Apple Chancery on a Mac and comic sans on a Mac or windows if I am overdoing it.


I think the producer is trying to convey that typographers are often looked down upon, but their talents are actually quite valuable.

Explain if you think the director’s ethnic/cultural/professional background played a role in directing this film?

I do think the director knew when producing this film that it might promote the creativity of typographers from Sweden. Although I do not feel like this was his only reason for producing this movie. It seems he wants the world to be more aware of the various fonts that are displayed and who goes through the trouble to create them to have just the right curve or angle.

What groups (people of color, nationality, culture, class,gender etc.) may be offended or misinterpret this movie and why?


It is possible that people who are not Swedish might be offended by this film. I can see why it was named this, but when people other then the Swiss want to use it they may not like the fact that it was named by the people who created it.
What the movie added to your visual literacy?

This movie made me think a lot more about the fonts that are all around the world. Most of it is displayed in stores, although there are ads in magazines that show the text as expressive. It was also interesting to notice that in the fifties they were more apt to use fancy cursive writing. The man speaking shows a Coke ad with a glass of ice cold Coke where they use Helvetica and the point is made to "drink Coke"

What kind of artistic and/or visual means did the director use in the movie to focus our attention?

By using Helvetica you make your text appear clean and efficient. Jonathan Hoefler says that the color invites and sends an open invitation. He believes that Helvetica reveals everything.


Honestly before viewing this film I would most likely just pick a font, because of the fun design or creative font. Now I almost wonder if when using these "fun" fonts such as Apple Chancery on a Mac and comic sans on a Mac or windows if I am overdoing it.