Objec­ti­fied
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
21 May 2009

What is indus­trial design? How do inan­i­mate objects invoke emo­tional responses? What makes good design? Do we really need more things? What about the environment?

In inter­views with a star-studded cast of design­ers (includ­ing the leg­endary Dieter Rams and the elu­sive Jonathan Ive), this film attempts to address those ques­tions. Does it have a clear mes­sage? Not so much. In the post-screening Q&A ses­sion at the Boston pre­miere, direc­tor Gary Hus­twit acknowl­edged that his goal was to raise as many ques­tions as he answers—this is a film for think­ing peo­ple. As with his pre­vi­ous doc­u­men­tary, Hel­vetica, the propul­sive force of Objec­ti­fied is the pas­sion of the design­ers. This energy, woven together with superbly shot B-roll footage and a pleas­antly unusual elec­tronic and indie rock sound­track, makes a remark­able and enjoy­able film.

Hus­twit was com­pletely at ease on stage. His answers to ques­tions were witty and well-considered, but I most appre­ci­ated learn­ing the secret of his inter­view tech­nique: his enthu­si­asm for the sub­ject closely matches that of his inter­vie­wees. I can’t wait for the unveil­ing of the still-secret third film of his “design tril­ogy.” Until then: go watch Objec­ti­fied!