Watch Linotype: The Film - In Search of the Eighth Wonder of the World

Linotype: The Film - In Search of the Eighth Wonder of the World is a documentary film about the history, impact, and legacy of the Linotype machine, an invention celebrated as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The film, released in 2012, is directed by Doug Wilson and features interviews with numerous experts in the typographic world, including renowned type designer Matthew Carter and Arab typography specialist Nadine Chahine.

The Linotype machine, patented in 1884 by German immigrant Ottmar Mergenthaler, revolutionized the way printing was done by automating typesetting. Prior to the Linotype, typesetting was a laborious process that involved manually arranging each letter in a block to form words and sentences. With the Linotype, operators could type out lines of text on a keyboard, and the machine would automatically cast the metal typeblocks that would be used for printing.

The film traces the history of the Linotype machine from its invention through its heyday in the early 20th century, when it was used to print everything from newspapers to books to advertising. The Linotype revolutionized the printing industry, making it possible to produce more copies in less time, and at a lower cost. The film features interviews with historians, printing industry experts, and Linotype operators, who describe the machine's impact on their work and their lives.

One of the film's main themes is the role of technology in shaping the world we live in. The Linotype was a game-changing technology that transformed the printing industry and helped to shape the modern world. But as the film shows, technological innovations also have unintended consequences. The Linotype, for example, played a role in the decline of the craft of typesetting, as it made it possible to produce type more quickly and efficiently, but at the cost of the skill and artistry that went into traditional typesetting.

The film also touches on the human element of the Linotype story. Many Linotype operators worked long hours in hot, noisy environments, often breathing in toxic fumes from the molten lead used to cast the type. Despite the challenges, many operators were passionate about their work, seeing it as a craft that required skill and dedication.

Throughout the film, we see the Linotype in action, as experts demonstrate how the machine works and how it changed the printing industry. The film also explores the Linotype's place in contemporary typography, as designers and printers continue to use the distinctive Linotype typefaces in both traditional and digital media.

Ultimately, Linotype: The Film - In Search of the Eighth Wonder of the World is a celebration of a revolutionary technology and the people who brought it to life. Through archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, the film offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of printing and typography, and how the Linotype transformed this industry in ways that are still felt today.

Linotype: The Film - In Search of the Eighth Wonder of the World is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes.