Squaring the Circle: The Story of Hipgnosis

I was interested after seeing the trailer, and decided to see it, because I knew the director with the unpronounceable name is really good. I loved the film about Joy Division, and his videos are certainly way better than most.

If you're over a certain age, you're going to really love this film. If you loved Pink Floyd, and most of the album covers that accompanied the vinyl albums, you are really going to love this film. If you're curious what Hipgnosis meant, and how they got the name, yes, hope it plays in your town.

Like so much in life, the incredible success story could never make it into a feature film, because it's too ridiculous to believe. But this was real, and amazing coincidences kept happening, time and time again, making a really wonderful fairy tale, that's all true.

I see a lot of movies, and as the film ended, I wanted to clap. If you have any chance of seeing this in a theater, don't miss the opportunity.

You'll be happy you went.

As "Squaring the Circle: The Story of Hipgnosis" (2023 release; 101 min.) opens, we are introduced to, Aubrey "Po" Powell, one of the founders of the (album cover) art design group Hpygnosis, reminisces of what life was like in Cambridge 1966, and how he met Strom Thorgeson, the other o-founder. In their circle of friends and acquaintances were Roger Waters and David Gilmour, leading to the breakout debut album cover design for Pink Floyd's second album, 1968's " Saucerful of Secrets". At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this documentary is directed y none other than Anton Corbijn, best known for he working going back decades with Depeche Mode. Corbijn must've called in a lot of favors. As he gets tons of top notch rock stars to serve as talking heads, including Paul MacCartney, Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Page and Robert Plante, and many others. If you grew up in a certain era, much of this will be familier to you already. All that said, it makes for a entertaining if straightforward documentary with very few (if any) truly new revelations. Thai said, in the 15 years that Hypgnosis was active (1968 to 1983), they truly were the gold standard of rock album cover deigns, no question about it.

"Squaring the Circle: The Story of Hypgnosis" was made in 2022 but not released until earlier this years. It played a number of film festivals before starting to stream on Netflix not too long ago. The movie is currently rated 92% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Which seems a bit too high to me. Regardless, if you love(d) vinyl records, the album cover design was a crucial element of the overall album experience, and I'd readily suggest you check out "Squaring the Circle", and draw your own conclusion.

Mixed bag, this film is. There are some redeeming moments of discovery, though. Lots of redundant imagery which is ironic, because this film reveals the kernels of Storm and Po, the creative duo who created lauded LP covers from the 70s and beyond. Anyone who is a graphic designer or photographer might be quite interested in certain portions of this film. Generally, I felt that most of the moments when Po is featured are like his ego is taking an extended bubble bath. But my review is not intended to discount his fine creative output, back in the days long before Photoshop. If you're enamored of a large host of Chirping Musician Heads, you might adore this film. Led Z members, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, and a few from 10cc all share opinions. To be expected, just a handful of women are featured. For the back story on certain LP covers, the producers linger far too long, and the tone seeps into the arena of hagiography. The running time could have done with a tighter edit. Ironically, the final moments are rushed and a bit maudlin. Like many docs, it's neatly wrapped up with a tidy bow: just a few, perfunctory sentences. Believe it or not, I somewhat recommend this film, apart from the above reservations.

I wasn't sure I could watch 101 minutes of this but it went by quickly. I could've watched another couple hours with these stories, although not likely in one sitting.

I laughed multiple times at the anecdotes about Storm's personality. It was great to see them told by people, musicians and friends, with firsthand knowledge and not just by fans. It was very well done.

I appreciate the work of Hipgnosis, and have been familiar with them for many years, although I prefer the work done by Peter Saville more.

Storm did design the cover for one of my all time favorite albums though, the Catherine Wheel's Chrome, from 1993.

Fascinating film about the 2 extraordinary guys who were responsible for the most iconic album cover of all time and countless others album covers from the late 60 onwards. Great interviews from the likes of Dave Gilmour, Roger Waters ,Jimmy page, Robert Plant ,Paul McCartney and many more. Some great stories behind the album covers (Animals is particularly funny) and the thought process behind them. After all these years I never understood the significance of the man on fire on Wish You Were Here Its shot in black and white and colour to dazzling effect and each time I watch it I notice something new. The film manages to convey the absolute chaos and spontaneity of there lives This harks back to a time when the album cover was nearly as important than the vinyl inside Hopefully there will be a soundtrack album as well. Anyone who laments the end of an era of truly inspiring music will love this.