Helvetica is a full-length independent documentary film that investigates the deeper and more subtle ways in which type affects our daily lives. Using the now ubiquitous font helvetica as the thematic centerpiece, the film explores urban spaces with regards to the fonts that inhabit them, and also engages in discussions with world renowned designers about the aesthetics and rationale behind their choices of type. Helvetica was filmed in the United States, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and Belgium. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until 2007, at which time it will start screening at various film festivals around the world. For now, you can check out the online store and purchase a limited edition (100 pieces) print for the film or a t-shirt with the movie logo screened on the front.

Stills from the film
http://helveticafilm.com/stills.html

We're all up ons Helvetica -- how could you possibly not be? MoMA's decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary Max Miedinger and Edouard Hoffmann's illustrious typeface with an installation of posters, signage, and other items that show off this loved-by-all modern classic. The exhibition will also include an excerpt from Gary Hustwit's documentary "Helvetica," which we previously covered here.

http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2007/helvetica.html

50 Years of Helvetica
April 6, 2007 - March 31, 2008
Museum of Modern Art
Architecture and Design Galleries, third floor

Check out this fun little flash site created by engagestudio in the UK...
Helvetica vs Arial
http://www.engagestudio.com/helvetica/

There are several thousand other fonts out there. Why use this old Swiss one (that almost everyone else uses)?

From 'Helvetica: Homage to a Typeface':

"I remember a time at Yale when my work was being critiqued by Paul Rand. Mr Rand told me only to use Helvetica as a display face, never in text. Then he squinted, leaned in, and whispered in my ear, "because Helvetica looks like dogshit in text"."
- Kyle Cooper

“Helvetica is like a good screwdriver; a reliable, efficient, easy-to-use tool. But put in the wrong hands and it’s potentially lethal.”
- Tom Geismar

Who are these people?:
Rand: http://www.commarts.com/CA/feapion/rand/
Cooper: http://www.prologuefilms.com
Geismar: http://www.cgstudionyc.com/home.html

So this is the book that sings the praises of Helvetica, in fact I think it looks ok...
http://youworkforthem.com/product.php?sku=P0049

Title: Helvetica: Homage to a typeface

Details: This book sings the praises of the shift worker and solo entertainer of typefaces, of its forgotten creator Max Miedinger and all those who have contributed to its unparalleled international march of triumph over the past forty years. The designs gathered together here in honour of Helvetica have been created by superb designers and anonymous amateurs from all over the world. This book follows the usage of Helvetica from creation to current day status.

Helvetica is not only the preferred typeface of leading professionals, it is also an all-time favorite among the multitude of codes and signals and commands that enliven urban life. Helvetica is the perfume of the city.

Dimensions: 4.9"x6.5" (inches)
Pages: 256
Edition: Hardcover
Languages: English

Description: Max Miedinger could never have known what he created. Helvetica has been the leading typeface of its time and has a cult following. This book follows major design works that use Helvetica to communicate. French folds with perforated pages....

Well I like Helvetica, I admit it, I like Swiss better but Helvetica has a certain charm, and used in the right way, and I think this quote fits the use of Helvetica
"A man's got to know his limitations", and Dirty Harry was right in respect with Helvetica....

Helvetica on TShirts
http://www.lamosca.com/tshirt/home.htm

Stephen Banham - the AntiChrist of Helvetica ;-)
His site is a fantastic little slice for font views and ideas...
http://www.the-letterbox.com.au/
http://www.the-letterbox.com.au/res_texts_not.html

The Helvetica Meditations | Typographica
Typographica is a journal of typography featuring news, observations, and open commentary on fonts and typographic design.
http://typographi.com/001009.php

And I really like this japanese store that sells funky t-shirts
http://www.graniph.com/t-shirts/