They say you’re never more than six yards away from a rat in London.
Well, you’re probably no more than 10 paces away from Helvetica anywhere in New York City.

Here’s the blurb for Gary Hustwit’s documentary on this polarising typeface.

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.

Okay guys. Don’t laugh, but I quite enjoyed this film.
The ubiquity of this annoying beautiful typeface around the world (and especially America) is quite astounding. It seems every second multi-national company around the world uses it for it’s corporate identity.
In fact, at times, it can be downright depressing. (although I’m sure our friend Graham Walker at Size will put up a stout (or should that be a heavy extended) defence of his favourite typeface to any non-believers.

Standing outside the office today I could easily count 7 or 8 examples around me without moving from my spot. Lothian buses and bus stops/shop logos/ tramwork contractor’s fluorescent jackets/car stickers/fire hydrants/traffic signs/estate agent boards.

Make up your own mind about ths face on viewing, but be warned, anyone watching this film will spend the next few days scanning their own world for Helvetica like a child on a cross-country car trip playing I Spy.

And please, if anyone ever catches me using this face on any new work this agency produces… kill me, kill me now.