By: Danyal Somani

Squaring The Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) is a documentary about the creation of Hipgnosis, a UK company that has created iconic album covers, such as Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon, AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and Led Zeppelin’s Houses Of The Holy.

Even if you’re not necessarily a fan of the music, this doc from director Anton Corbijn (Control, A Most Wanted Man) will more than keep your interest.  Along with its eye-popping visual style and interesting colour palette (occasionally only keeping certain areas colourized while everything else is in black-and-white), Corbijn’s retelling of Hipgnosis’ rebellious underdog story is engrossing.  While the documentary focuses on the company as a whole, co-founders Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell share the spotlight as well;  the former being portrayed so much as a wild and unpredictable character, the viewer wants to immediately know more about him. 

Since my only real gripe with Corbijn’s movie is its occasional inability to move on to another subject or story (a segment near the end regarding an inflatable pig goes on for way too long), I would still recommend Squaring The Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis).  Audiences will most likely leave the film with a newfound appreciation for Hipgnosis’ artistry, the finished covers, and the music it all represents.

**********

Do You Tweet? Follow These Tweeple:

Danyal Somani: @DAS_1011