Helvetica is one of the most common used typefaces in the world. And if you are somewhat of a typography geek like me you should check out this documentary.

Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which celebrated 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.

Helvetica encompasses the worlds of design, advertising, psychology, and communication, and invites us to take a second look at the thousands of words we see every day.

It’s amazing how much this one font inhabits our lives, but it’s really interesting to see.

trailer:

American Apparel loves helvetica so much that they made a t-shirt