Watch Linotype: The Film

Linotype: The Film is a documentary that explores the history and significance of the Linotype machine, a revolutionary invention that transformed the publishing industry in the late 19th and early 20th century. Directed by Doug Wilson and produced by Jess Heugel, the film takes viewers on a journey through the evolution of printing technology and features interviews with some of the most prominent figures in the field.

The film opens with a brief history of the printing press and the challenges it presented for typesetters, who had to manually set each letter of every word on a page. This was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that often resulted in errors and inconsistencies. The film then introduces the Linotype machine, invented by German immigrant Ottmar Mergenthaler in 1884, which revolutionized typesetting by mechanizing the process.

The Linotype was a complex machine that used brass matrices to cast lines of type, which could then be assembled into pages. It was a game-changer for the publishing industry, allowing for faster and more efficient typesetting, which in turn made newspapers and books cheaper and more accessible to a wider audience. The film does an excellent job of explaining how the Linotype worked and the processes involved in casting and assembling the type.

The heart of the film, however, is the stories of the people who worked with the Linotype. We meet a range of individuals, from former typesetters who worked with the machine during its heyday, to contemporary artists who still use the Linotype for their work. Their recollections and insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of typesetting and the role the Linotype played in shaping the publishing industry.

One of the most compelling figures in the film is Matthew Carter, a renowned type designer who got his start in the industry working with the Linotype. Carter's passion for type design is infectious, and his interviews are among the most insightful in the film. He discusses the nuances of different typefaces and the art of creating fonts that are both beautiful and functional. His anecdotes about working with the Linotype are often humorous and provide a glimpse into the collaborative and creative process of type design.

Another standout figure is Ray DesChamps, a former typesetter who worked with the Linotype for over 60 years. DesChamps is a consummate storyteller, and his recollections of the early days of typesetting are both entertaining and enlightening. He describes the camaraderie and sense of community that existed among typesetters, and the joys and frustrations of working with a machine that could be temperamental and unforgiving.

The film also highlights the role of women in typesetting, which was often overlooked in the male-dominated industry. We meet Ellen Hagney, a former typesetter who recounts her experiences working in a print shop in the 1950s. Hagney's stories provide a glimpse into the challenges women faced in a field that was largely closed off to them. Her anecdotes are both poignant and inspiring, and serve as a reminder of the progress that has been made in achieving gender equity in the workplace.

Overall, Linotype: The Film is a fascinating documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of printing history. It combines historical footage and interviews with contemporary artists and designers to create a nuanced and engaging portrait of a machine that transformed publishing. The film's focus on the people who worked with the Linotype gives it a human dimension, making it a compelling story of innovation, creativity, and community. Highly recommended for anyone interested in typography, design, or the history of printing.

Linotype: The Film is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.