Helvetica
“Typography, Graphic Design and Global Visual Culture”
Synopsis
Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.
Part of the Design Trilogy
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Helvetica - TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2008-08-21
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Michael Bierut
Himself
Neville Brody
Himself
David Carson
Himself
Manfred Schulz
Himself
Massimo Vignelli
Himself
Rick Poynor
Himself
Wim Crouwel
Himself
Matthew Carter
Himself
Alfred Hoffmann
Himself
Mike Parker
Himself
Otmar Hoefer
Himself
Bruno Steinert
Himself
Hermann Zapf
Himself
Leslie Savan
Herself
Tobias Frere-Jones
Himself
Jonathan Hoefler
Himself
Erik Spiekermann
Himself
Lars Müller
Himself
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 12, 2007
Wide Cinema Exhibition
February 7, 2008
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Gary Hustwit
- Original Score
- Kristian Dunn
- Original Title
- Helvetica
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English, German
- Runtime
- 1h 20m
- Production Studios
- Swiss Dots, Veer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Gary Hustwit
Kristian Dunn
Shelby Siegel
Gary Hustwit
Department Leadership Roster
Gary Hustwit
Director
Gary Hustwit
Producer
Shelby Siegel
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Helvetica.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Helvetica.
list0
Periodic import List
MY DOCUMENTARIES
All BluRay Movies EVER
desc
Criterion US - Documentary Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
500 best 2007's movies
Similar Titles to Helvetica
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
10.0
7.0
8.5
10.0
5.5
5.0
6.0
7.6
7.6
10.0
6.8
6.2
More Like Helvetica
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helvetica
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Helvetica about?
Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.
Who directed Helvetica?
Helvetica was directed by Gary Hustwit.
Who stars in Helvetica?
The principal cast of Helvetica includes Michael Bierut, Neville Brody, David Carson, Manfred Schulz, Massimo Vignelli.
When was Helvetica released and how long is it?
Helvetica was released in 2007 with a total runtime of 1h 20m.
Who composed the musical score for Helvetica?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Helvetica was composed by Kristian Dunn.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Helvetica?
Helvetica holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).