The King of Color
An intimate portrait of the visionary behind Pantone and the color standard that quietly reshaped modern creative and commercial life.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- reflective
- inspiring
- design study
- educational viewing
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film features an exclusive interview with 96-year-old Lawrence Herbert, allowing his own reflections to anchor the account of Pantone.
Herbert's Pantone Matching System is presented as a common language for color across artistic and commercial industries.
The documentary traces how Pantone changed printing, manufacturing, artistic expression, and commercial production without broad public recognition of its originator.
Herbert's Depression-era Brooklyn upbringing and entry into the print and manufacturing trade provide the film's social and professional foundation.
Films like The King of Color, and why
Helvetica
design history, visual culture, and an intimate portrait of an influential creative figure
Rams
warm biographical documentary treatment of a distinctive designer and his working philosophy
Objectified
investigation of how designed objects and systems shape everyday life and commercial culture
Movie Details
- Director
- Patrick Creadon
- Release Date
- 2025-12-12
- Runtime
- 82 min
- Rating
- 7.5 / 10 (2)
Cast
- Lawrence Herbert
Common questions
- What is The King of Color about?
- An intimate portrait of the visionary behind Pantone and the color standard that quietly reshaped modern creative and commercial life.
- What is The King of Color like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The King of Color as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The King of Color violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The King of Color.
- Which films are like The King of Color?
- Films with a similar feel include Helvetica, Rams, and Objectified.
- How long is The King of Color?
- The King of Color runs 82 minutes.
