What Is Square the Circle About?
The premise of Square the Circle in 299 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Square the Circle unfolds as a visually inventive documentary portrait of Hipgnosis, the influential design studio that reshaped the visual culture of rock music. Founded in 1968, the studio begins with Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell, associates of Pink Floyd whose first major commission is the cover for A Saucerful of Secrets. Their unusual path into album design establishes the film’s central world: a creative partnership immersed in experimentation, visual daring, and the evolving possibilities of 1960s counterculture.
As Hipgnosis develops a distinctive reputation, the documentary surveys the production of striking covers for artists including Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Wings, and 10cc, alongside further work for Pink Floyd. The emphasis remains on process rather than fame alone, exploring how unconventional photography and bold design ideas could turn a record sleeve into an icon. Each commission reveals a different creative problem, with the studio’s willingness to pursue unusual solutions giving the film its sense of playful momentum.
The partnership between Thorgerson and Powell forms the emotional core. Powell is interviewed extensively, offering insight into their shared artistic world, while contributions associated with Thorgerson add another perspective on the studio’s identity. Conversations with musicians and modern admirers—including Noel Gallagher—place the original work within its continuing cultural life. The presence of photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn also lends the documentary a deeply informed understanding of image-making, lighting, composition, and the relationship between photography and graphic design.
The tone is affectionate, perceptive, and celebratory rather than strictly chronological or businesslike. Square the Circle treats album artwork as a form of popular visual art, highlighting the collective energy behind images that became instantly recognizable. Its curiosity-driven portrait invites viewers to consider how experimentation, collaboration, and an refusal to follow familiar formulas can give everyday objects an enduring sense of mystery.
What Happens in Square the Circle?
The complete story of Square the Circle, from the first scene to the last, in 169 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
This documentary explores the rich history of the Hipgnosis studio, tracing its origins back to 1968. Founded by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell, the duo began their journey as associates of Pink Floyd after being commissioned to design the cover for the album A Saucerful of Secrets.
The film provides a detailed look at the production of iconic album covers throughout the 1970s for legendary artists such as:
- Led Zeppelin
- Peter Gabriel
- Paul McCartney and Wings
- 10cc
- Pink Floyd
Through extensive interviews, including deep insights from Powell—who also speaks on behalf of the late Thorgerson—the movie highlights their experimental photography methods and unconventional design philosophies. The narrative is further enriched by perspectives from notable musicians and modern fans, including Noel Gallagher, who discuss the lasting influence of the studio’s work.
The documentary concludes in the late 1970s, illustrating how the rise of punk rock shifted aesthetic trends, making elaborate cover art less fashionable and leading Thorgerson and Powell to transition into video production and other creative artistic projects.
Square the Circle Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Hipgnosis is founded” to “Modern fans celebrate the legacy”.
- 1
Hipgnosis is founded
The documentary opens with the founding of the Hipgnosis studio by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell in 1968. The two were already associates of the band Pink Floyd, a relationship that would prove crucial to their early success. This partnership became the starting point for some of the most celebrated album artwork in rock history.
When:1968
- 2
First commission: A Saucerful of Secrets
Hipgnosis received its breakthrough when Pink Floyd commissioned the young studio to design the cover for the album A Saucerful of Secrets. The film recounts this first major project and how it launched Thorgerson and Powell's career in music design. It also marked the beginning of a long creative relationship with the band.
When:1968
- 3
Classic covers for rock's biggest artists
Through the 1970s, Hipgnosis produced many classic album covers for some of the era's leading artists, including Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Wings, and 10cc. The film walks through the production of several of these iconic sleeves. This body of work established the studio as a defining visual force of 1970s rock.
When:1970s
- 4
Experimental photography methods
A central focus of the documentary is Thorgerson and Powell's experimental approach to photography. Eschewing simple studio work, they staged elaborate, surreal scenes and unconventional setups to create their unforgettable images. The film shows how these hands-on techniques became the studio's creative signature.
- 5
More landmark covers for Pink Floyd
Alongside their work for other artists, Hipgnosis designed several more covers for Pink Floyd over the years. The film revisits these designs, which became inseparable from the band's visual identity. The collaboration stands as one of the most enduring partnerships between a band and its album designers.
- 6
Influencing rock album cover art
The documentary explores the influence Hipgnosis had on rock album covers throughout the era. Their imaginative, unconventional designs helped redefine what album artwork could be and raised expectations for the entire industry. Their approach left a lasting mark on cover design far beyond their own catalogue.
- 7
Punk rock changes everything
As the film moves into the late 1970s, the rise of punk rock made Hipgnosis's elaborate album covers seem out of step with the times. Punk's raw, minimalist aesthetic pushed ornate artwork out of fashion almost overnight. This cultural shift brought the golden age of the studio's signature style to a close.
When:Late 1970s
- 8
A pivot to new ventures
With demand for their ornate album covers fading, Thorgerson and Powell moved into video production and other artistic projects. The documentary ends its historical narrative on this transitional moment for the studio. It signals the close of the Hipgnosis cover art era, even as the partners' creative collaboration continued in new forms.
When:Late 1970s
- 9
Storm Thorgerson dies
The film also stands as a tribute to Storm Thorgerson, who died in 2013. His passing means the documentary is a retrospective look at his life and legacy, shaped through the memories of those who knew and worked with him. Powell's stories throughout the film carry the weight of memorializing his late partner.
When:2013
- 10
Po Powell tells the story
Aubrey "Po" Powell was interviewed extensively for the documentary and emerges as its central storyteller. Since Thorgerson could not participate, Powell also speaks on behalf of his longtime partner throughout the film. His firsthand recollections anchor the account of the studio's history from beginning to end.
Show the other 3 events of Square the Circle Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Musicians revisit their covers
Several notable musicians appear in the film to discuss the covers Hipgnosis created for their albums. Their interviews reveal the collaborative process behind the designs and how the artwork connected to their music. These conversations give viewers a firsthand sense of working with the legendary studio.
- 12
Anton Corbijn's directorial eye
Reviewers noted the influence of director Anton Corbijn's own knowledge of photography and graphic design on the finished film. Corbijn's visual background informs how the documentary presents and frames Hipgnosis's work. The result feels like a study of album art made by a fellow visual artist.
- 13
Modern fans celebrate the legacy
The documentary also includes interviews with modern fans of the classic Hipgnosis covers, most notably Noel Gallagher. Their appreciation demonstrates how the studio's work continues to resonate across generations. It reinforces the film's message that these covers remain cultural touchstones long after the vinyl era.
Who Are the Main Characters in Square the Circle?
2 characters, among them Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- ST
Storm Thorgerson
Storm Thorgerson was a visionary graphic designer known for revolutionizing album cover art. His work with Hipgnosis emphasized experimental photography and surreal visuals, creating memorable imagery that captured the essence of the music.
- 🎨 Artist
- 💡 Visionary
- AP
Aubrey Powell
Aubrey Powell served as a co-founder of Hipgnosis and played a crucial role in shaping the studio's artistic direction. His insights and modern interviews in the documentary provide depth to the collaborative process behind some of music history's most famous album covers.
- 🎥 Filmmaker
- 👨🎨 Designer
Where and When Is Square the Circle Set?
Square the Circle is set in Hipgnosis Studio (1968-1979). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1968-1979
The film chronicles the vibrant years of 1968 to 1979, a creative golden age for rock music and album art. This era saw the rise of progressive rock and an emphasis on artistic expression in music, coinciding with pivotal cultural changes and the emergence of punk rock, which challenged the prevailing norms.
Where
Hipgnosis Studio
Hipgnosis Studio, founded in 1968, became renowned for its innovative approach to album cover design. It is widely recognized for creating iconic visuals for landmark albums, significantly impacting the aesthetics of the music industry during the 1970s.
- 🏢 Studio
- 🎨 Art
What Are the Themes of Square the Circle?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Album Art and Creativity.
-
01
Album Art
The documentary explores the theme of album art as a medium of artistic expression. It highlights how Hipgnosis transformed music visuals, allowing album covers to become standalone art pieces that complemented the musical experience.
-
02
Creativity
The theme of creativity is central to the film, showcasing the unique experimental techniques and unconventional designs used by Thorgerson and Powell. Their innovative spirit pushed the boundaries of visual art in music, influencing generations of artists.
What Kind of Film Is Square the Circle?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A playful, affectionate journey through the inventive world of iconic album artwork, blending music history, creative-process interviews, and nostalgic reflections on an era fading into punk.
- nostalgic
- playful
- creative
- affectionate
- inventive
- reflective
- album cover design
- creative partnership
- artistic innovation
- music history
Quiz
How well do you remember Square the Circle? Test yourself on the story.
