For his beautifully shot 2007 documentary about the world's most ubiquitous typeface, Gary Hustwit cleverly assembled a soundtrack that just like the controversial font, rides the line between modern minimalist genius and wallpaperish anonymity. Ther soundtrack includes microhouse from Motohiro Nakashima, subtly mathy jazz from Sam Prekop, pretty little loops from Four Tet, and the world's calmest indie rock by The Album Leaf, among others.
It all adds up to a spare, cerebral mood that fits perfectly with the subject matter, and it's evidence that even on a film budget in the "low six figures," as Hustwit put it, you absolutely can craft a first rate soundtrack. In fact, taken in combination with the composition of his shots, I'd argue that his music is what propels this documentary well beyond talking-heads-territory and makes it an cinematic experience in its own right. Hustwit's best known film is the Wilco documentary I'm Trying to Break Your Heart, so it's clear that the guy has great taste in music.
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