Type in Film

When we think about typography and film, its titles quickly come to mind. On second thought we recall the inter-title cards of silent films and subtitles used to translate foreign-language cinema. There’s also typographically-endowed props like books, signage, magazines, and screen interfaces. But what about typography that’s part of the story-telling repertoire where words dressed in their letterform costumes help to advance the plot? This presentation will survey how type has appeared in film historically and offer a glimpse into its increasingly starring role in cinematic narratives for screens large and small.

This event is part of the Letterform Lecture series, co-presented by Type@Cooper West and the San Francisco Public Library, and sponsored by Adobe Typekit.