DD Blog

Hot Blooded Helvetica

by Robin Mitchell

Some of you may have already seen the debate over Helvetica (the typeface and the movie) on the main blog. The debate begins with a stong comment by Dougal: “The film Helvetica was one of the most dangerous pieces of propaganda that has happened to typographic design in years. It may even have the power to set back the development of typography fifty years.”

I thought I would post my comment here, and I welcome further comments and discussion. Please note that while I don’t agree with Dougal’s assessment of the movie, I think he makes one good point. Too many young designers (and you know who you are!) crack the code of Modernist type and then don’t push it further. Every generation owes it to the next to experiment and challenge existing trends and standards in type.

My comment: “I had a different reaction than Dougal did. I think that by examining the Helvetica-era (that is, the period in which Helvetica, and the International Type Style, came to prominence) and its subsequent effect on typographic culture, the film actually places Helvetica, and Modernist typography in general, in a historical context. The effect is contrary to what I think Dougal fears. In this way, I find the film to be a very valuable teaching tool (or I hope it will be), because no matter what I say or do, I have students who see Modernist typography as modern (contemporary). I think the film is also valuable as an introduction to typography as a general practice for the general public. I think that’s great.

Some of the designers interviewed were pretty hostile to Helvetica, actually. Can anyone give a stronger condemnation of a typeface than to suggest it is responsible for war?! I do think the film was an affectionate look at Helvetica, which is as it should be. There is room in typography for a wide range of styles and approaches, and Swiss Style is solid. I would hate to see it thrown completely aside. I see it as something to build on. Contemporary type founderies have used Helvetica as a template for typographic excellence and innovation(such as Porchez’s Parisine), taking advantage of Helvetica’s legibility and simplicity. Understanding history is a very important part of contemporary design. It helps up develop solid theory instead of just being slaves to trend and commerce.

I personally love Helvetica, but I can count on one hand the number of times I have used it. The film didn’t change that, but it did make me laugh, and I think it inspires discussion and debate (evidently!) about typography.”

Posted in Experience, Opinion, Typography |