Graphic-iti

The new film from director James Cameron, Avatar, is a delight to see. The movie has a touching and yet well known story (especially for us in the “new world”). The visual effects are spectacular. In short, the film is one that will define how films are made from now on.

But I can not pass the fact (no matter how hard I try) that they would use a typeface that is so overused as Papyrus. In the movie poster, AVATAR appears in papyrus and I thought it would stop there. But during the movie when the Navi (blue beings) speak in their native language, the subtitles are written in this font.

The only thing I didn’t like about the film was the use of papyrus. A multimillion-dollar production (about $ 300 million USD) and they limited themselves to use a font that besides being one of the most over-used, it’s free. Even in an interview in 2007, Chris Costello the creator of the font agreed that papyrus has been over-used. Couldn’t they pay a fontographer to make a special font for the movie?

The movie is worth watching. It is an unforgettable experience. But if seeing this font causes you eye irritation and stomachache, stay away from the theater.

Written by: Juan Rivera