I had one last opportunity on Thursday to see Helvetica, the movie. It was good, in a Helvetica kind of way. Here’s how the film and the typeface are similar:

• They obviate the need for explicitly delving into history. They stand on their own feet, which, in turn, stand on the heads of invisible giants.
• They purport to be well-rounded, neutral, and fun-loving. They ask to be seen as straightforward, honest, and open and they present themselves as the definitive and conclusive.
• They define themselves through requited love. They love to be loved and love you back for loving them and for being in love with loving them.
• They are fat in the middle and end somewhat squarely.

Postcript: It was great seeing the faces of some of my favorite type luminaries on a big screen.