

Movie spotlight
Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)
In 1968, art students Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell made a trippy photo collage for their musician friends Syd, David and Roger. The resulting album and album cover, A Saucerful of Secrets, helped launch two careers: that of Pink Floyd, one of the 70s megabands, and of Hipgnosis, which, over the course of the next 25 years, designed a stream of iconic album covers.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the story of Hipgnosis, the iconic British art and design group founded by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell. Responsible for some of the most recognizable album covers in music history, Hipgnosis created visually groundbreaking artwork for legendary artists like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Paul McCartney. The film explores their creative process, their impact on the music industry, and the personal relationships that defined their prolific career.
Critical Reception
Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) has been generally well-received by critics, who praise its engaging narrative and its deep dive into the influential world of album art. Reviewers highlight the film's ability to capture the spirit of the artists and their collaborators, while also providing context for the cultural impact of Hipgnosis's designs.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its visually stunning exploration of album cover art.
Celebrated for its insightful look into the creative partnership of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell.
Applauded for effectively capturing the essence of the musicians and the era through design.
Google audience: Audiences have largely appreciated the documentary's comprehensive look at Hipgnosis and their significant contributions to music culture. Viewers frequently commend the film for its aesthetic appeal and the compelling stories of the artists involved, particularly highlighting the detailed accounts of iconic album artwork creation.
Fun Fact
The documentary's director, Anton Corbijn, is himself a renowned photographer and filmmaker known for his work with numerous musicians, including Depeche Mode and U2, giving him a unique perspective on the world of music visuals.
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