Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight is a 2008 documentary film that offers a captivating and intimate insight into the life and work of one of the greatest graphic designers of our times, Milton Glaser. Director Wendy Keys masterfully crafts a narrative that captures Glaser's immense impact on the world of design and beyond. The film is a beautiful mosaic of originality, insight, and a celebration of a remarkable mind that has shaped visual arts for years.

The documentary, with its title derived from Glaser's own principles that good design should 'inform and delight', paints a vivid picture of the creative process that characterizes the work of this iconic designer. From his famous 'I ❤️ NY' logo to the creation of New York magazine and countless other designs that pervade our culture and consciousness, Glaser's vast portfolio is given deserving justice through a fascinating blend of interviews, archive footage, and showcasing of his works.

The film introduces us to Glaser, a charismatic and eloquent narrator of his life story. It spans his childhood in the Bronx, his early education at the High School of Music and Art, as well as his formative years at the Cooper Union. The designer's career trajectory is traced from his co-founding of the revolutionary Push Pin Studios in 1954 through to forming his own design firm in 1974.

Notably, Wendy Keys moves beyond Glaser's professional achievements, skillfully integrating aspects of his personal life and philosophies. The artist’s warmth, intellect, and witty sense of humor are distinctly felt throughout the film. The director has done a commendable job of capturing the essence of Glaser’s personality and translating that onto the screen, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight also features interviews with a range of individuals who have known or worked with Glaser. Their insights into his creative mind and design ethos add a multi-dimensional perspective to this documentary. This, combined with Glaser's own candid commentary, effectively illustrates why he stands as a towering figure in contemporary graphic design.

The documentary is also a brilliant exploration of Glaser’s relationship with the city that fundamentally shaped his work – New York. Much like his designs, the film weaves a complex love letter to the city that never sleeps. It underlines how Glaser’s work echo the dynamism, diversity, and ethos of this metropolitan hub, be it through the ‘I ❤️ NY’ campaign soaring against the backdrop of a crisis-laden city or the eclectic visual language of New York magazine.

Throughout the film, Glaser’s work is presented with real respect and admiration, with detailed sequences showcasing his most iconic designs. The audience is treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Glaser's vast creative process which includes rough sketches, preliminary models, and the innovative final products. This is interspersed with the prolific designer's commentary on his art, his influences, his design principles, and his vision for his work.

But Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight is more than just a showcase of one man's lifetime achievements. It is a contemplative and engaging conversation about the power of design and its role in society. The film intelligently engages in a dialogue about design that moves beyond mere aesthetic contemplation to delve into its ability to communicate, influence, and evoke emotion. It emphasizes Glaser's profound belief in the capacity of design to create a shared language, and in his own words, "to move people to action," affirming the significant social and cultural impact of his work.

Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight offers an illuminating and rich introduction to Milton Glaser’s beautiful design world. It is a film dedicated not only to appreciating Glaser’s masterpieces but also exploring the larger questions of what design is, what it can do, and how it forms an integral part of our societal fabric. It's a film that appeals not just to design enthusiasts but to anyone with an interest in creativity, art, and the stories behind cultural icons. A delight to watch, it is indeed an ode to a timeless visionary and a testament to his inspiring legacy.