The Triangle

Issue date: 5/15/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Francesca Martelli

Media Credit: Francesca Martelli

Everything around us has been designed, from toothbrushes to chairs and laptops. No matter how insignificant an object may seem, someone at some point made a conscious decision about how it should look and work. In an age of endless mass-produced products, the fact that a human mind, not just a machine, took part in an object's creation, is often forgotten. Gary Hustwit's newest documentary, "Objectified," explores industrial design in a way that highlights the overlooked human touch.

The film presents industrial design through many different angles, giving the viewer a full look at the different aspects of industrial design. Designers from places all over the world discuss their ideas revealing cultural significances in design and the universal characteristics. Technological considerations are outlined by people such as Apple representatives. Items as simple as the toothpick and hedge clipper are talked about by others. "Objectified" succeeds significantly well in presenting work throughout the full spectrum of design.

Let's face it, people like stuff. Shiny new gadgets and interesting looking things are appealing to humans. No matter how quickly the new iPhone may become outdated, people have a burning desire for each model. People often pick the things they buy based on how the item looks, whether the person consciously considers it or not. Behind every product is a designer trying to grab the consumer's attention. It doesn't matter how interested you are in design; "Objectified" involves you. Everyone is affected by design because it surrounds us and the feature-length documentary emphasizes that.

Hustwit himself is not an expert on design as stated on a blog post on the official "Objectified" Web site.

"Those of you who followed the making of my first film, 'Helvetica,' know that the reason I make these films is not that I have a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter," Hustwit said. "I wasn't an expert on graphic design, and I'm certainly not an expert on industrial design, but they're both fields that fascinate me and that I want to learn more about. I'm interested in industrial designers because their work influences so many aspects of our world yet most of the time it's taken for granted."

Drexel University held two screenings May 11 of the film as well as a Q&A with Hustwit as well as Smart Design's Dan Formosa, a designer featured in the movie. "Objectified" was well-received by the audience and after overcoming initial hesitations, an overwhelming amount of participants joined in the questioning.

One person asked about what sparked Hustwit's desire to create "Objectified," to which he responded that his basic drive to create any film is to create something he would want to see himself. The viewer was deeply considered in the creation of the documentary, and it definitely shows.

Hustwit also revealed to the viewers that "Objectified" will not be his last design movie; he expects to release one more but would not declare the main topic of the film.

If you missed the showing on campus, keep an eye on the "Objectified" Web site for news on the DVD release.

The film may not be exceedingly interesting to those who do not feel too concerned with design, but it is definitely eye opening. It affects every consumer of manufactured goods and will make you look a little harder at your toothbrush and desk chair (especially that dorm chair that always tips over). You'll ask yourself why you bought the objects you own and wonder about the designer behind each one.

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