Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0054961905591
Format: Closed-captioned
Label: Acacia
Languages: Array
Manufacturer: Acacia
MPN: ACRDAMP9055D
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Acacia
Release Date: 2007-02-06
Running Time: 57
Studio: Acacia
Theatrical Release Date: 1997

"And so Galahad decided that it would be a disgrace to set off on a quest with the other knights. Alone he would enter the dark forest where there was no path. This is the myth of the Hero’s Journey." —Joseph Campbell

One of the greatest storytellers of our time, and arguably the greatest mythologist, Joseph Campbell spent most of his long, rich career explaining how ancient myths like the Hero’s Journey are relevant to modern life. In understanding the importance of myth as a vital, vibrant source of "mankind’s one great story," Campbell inspired others to embark on a quest for the meaning of myth in their own lives. This biographical portrait, filmed shortly before his death in 1987, follows Campbell’s personal quest—a pathless journey of questioning, discovery, and ultimately of delight and joy in a life to which he said, "Yes."
Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, a scholar who achieved legendary status as an explicator of myths, is reverently profiled in this documentary that encompasses his long life and career. During his childhood in New York City, Campbell was taken to see "Buffalo Bill" Cody's Wild West Show at Madison Square Garden. Young Campbell was fascinated by the Native Americans in Cody's performing troupe and eventually became obsessed with mythology. As he came to realize that myths worldwide had the same underpinnings, he also discovered his life's work. This documentary mentions Campbell's affinity for the writings of James Joyce and Carl Jung, and there is ample footage of Campbell, casual in flannel shirts, giving lectures salted with references to Buddhism, Christianity, classical mythology, St. Augustine, and the rituals of plains Indians. In later life, Campbell is seen being honored at a banquet at which George Lucas rises to give him credit for helping to inspire the writing of Star Wars. After Campbell's death in 1987, heated controversies arose about his work, but this documentary is an overwhelmingly positive look at his writings, lectures, and personality. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Rating:
Summary: The Storyteller
Comment: This was a nice little production - the best part is seeing Campbell in action, telling his stories and captivating the students. He really seemed to live what he preached.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Is a metaphor a myth?
Comment: On this dvd Campbell explains about the argument he had with a radio show host as to whether a metaphor is a myth or a lie.

This is one of the more interesting Campbell dvd's I have watched. This documentary follows JC's own life story in the context of his classic work 'The Hero with a thousand faces.'

How his early interest in Indian Culture and their stories eventually crisscrossed with other cultures, his early Christian upbringing and moving away from that to discover the stories from other cultures, and spiritual systems, and get a more global perspective.

In particular he references a chance meeting with Indian philosopher Krishnamurti on an Atlantic crossing, when K gave him a book about the Buddha, which illumined some commonalites with his Indian folklore studies. Eventually he discerned the common patterns of all mythology, and the story of the hero who gets the call to adventure, refuses the call, and then is compelled to take the adventure and commit to it. He also mentions Carl Jung's influence on his work.

If you are like me, you would have to watch several times to get the most out of it.

Interesting to note the influence he had on George Lucas, who used HWTF as a template for Star Wars. George Lucas pays tribute to Campbell, and there is plenty of footage from Star Wars to ilustrate the steps of the Hero's Journey.

If you are interested in storytelling, mythology or writing, I highly recommend this dvd for your consideration. I know I will be making some notes for my own records.

I hope you find this review helpful. If you do, please click yes.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The life of a very special american
Comment: Joseph Campbell is one of the most fascinating people I ever read about.
To share his vision of the real meaning of our existance is a privelege.
Don't miss it.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Be your own Hero
Comment: A dated but really sweet presentation by Joseph Campbell about the Hero's Journey myth in which he explains the departure, initiation, and return home of the Hero!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Hero's Journey
Comment: The Hero's Journey is the journey of one of our greatest mythologist's own life journey - that of Joseph Campbell. It shares his life and philosophies in some wonderful dialogues. Beautifully presented, it is a wonderful addition to any Campbell enthusiasts library, though perhaps not for a Campbell novice.

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