Hustwit's Plexifilm is the Indie Criterion

NOTE: I apologize for two Hustwit related posts in a row, but this is too good.

Gary Hustwit's new company, Plexifilm, specializes in documentary and music films. They now are in charge of the first ever release of Warhol's films on DVD. From Plexifilm:

Released in conjunction with The Andy Warhol Museum, 13 Most Beautiful...Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests features 13 of Warhol's classic silent film portraits. Subjects inlcude Nico, Lou Reed, Edie Sedgwick, Dennis Hopper, and more. Shot between 1964 and 1966 at Warhol's Factory studio in New York City, the Screen Tests are presented with newly commissioned soundtracks by Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips.

Tons and tons of great stuff here.

Objectified Opening In Atlanta Is Amazing

Went down to Atlanta last week to see the new Gary Hustwit documentary, Objectified. Being a big fan of Helvetica, I couldn't wait to have a chance to see his new film. It did not disappoint.

The film closely examines product and packaging design. Some of my favorite object designers are featured, including a few of my heroes: Apple's Jonny Ive and Ideo's David Kelley. Ive's discussion of the macbook design was revealing; the standard approach at Apple is, "how do we make this one piece function in as many ways as possible?". The keyboard base is build from one piece of aluminum, and houses the hard drive, motherboard, and processor. Watching Ive sit in the mysterious and exclusive Apple Labs and discuss many of the most beautiful designs to ever come from Apple. Awesome.

The tonal feel, editing style, and music are virtually indistinguishable from Helvetica. Whether you are familiar with alot of object designers or not, it is easy to get into the film. It is not overly packed with lingo; anyone can clearly understand the discussions, and the intimate shot styles bring the viewer in instantly.

When the film was over, I ran out the back door. I wanted to hit the restroom before Hustwit opened a Q&A session with the audience. The door flew open and I stepped right into Hustwit himself! I said hello, nice job, etc. and shook his hand. The Q&A that followed was superb, funny, and insightful.

A great experience overall. Objectified comes out on DVD in July - make sure you watch it, it is truly a must!

BTW - Thanks Jane for the tickets!