Watch Joseph Campbell: The Hero's Journey

Joseph Campbell was a renowned professor of mythology and religion at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. His work has influenced creative minds such as George Lucas in his creation of Star Wars, and the Wachowski Brothers in their creation of The Matrix Trilogy. In 1987, a documentary was made about Campbell, showcasing his philosophy of the Hero's Journey.

The Hero's Journey is a storytelling structure that has been used for centuries in various cultures. Campbell argues that the story of the Hero's Journey is universal because it speaks to the human experience of growth and transformation. It consists of three main parts: departure, initiation, and return. The Hero's Journey starts with the call to adventure or the departure, where the hero leaves their ordinary world to embark on a quest. This is followed by the initiation, where the hero faces trials and tribulations and undergoes a transformation. Finally, the hero returns to their ordinary world, having improved and transformed into a better version of themselves.

The documentary follows Campbell's philosophy of the Hero's Journey, focusing on interviews with Campbell himself, as well as people who have been influenced by his work. Through these interviews, Campbell explains his ideas about the Hero's Journey and its universal appeal. He believes that the story of the Hero's Journey provides a framework for understanding the human experience and the struggles that people go through in life.

The documentary also showcases examples of the Hero's Journey in popular culture such as films, books, and mythology. One example is the film Star Wars, which Campbell believes follows the Hero's Journey structure closely. He argues that Luke Skywalker represents the hero, who embarks on a quest to defeat the evil Empire and becomes transformed, returning to his ordinary world as a hero. The documentary includes a scene from Star Wars that illustrates the Hero's Journey structure, breaking down each step of the journey.

Another example of the Hero's Journey in popular culture is the book Watership Down by Richard Adams. The book follows a group of rabbits as they embark on a quest to find a new home, facing trials and tribulations along the way. Campbell comments on how the book captures the essence of the Hero's Journey, with the rabbits representing the heroes and their journey representing the departure, initiation, and return.

The documentary also provides insights into Campbell's personal life, including his upbringing and his academic career. Campbell was interested in mythology from a young age, and this interest stayed with him throughout his life. He studied various religions and mythologies, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, drawing on their stories to develop his philosophy of the Hero's Journey.

The documentary's interviews also include people who have been influenced by Campbell's work, including writers, filmmakers, and artists. They speak about how Campbell's ideas about the Hero's Journey have impacted their creative work and their personal lives. One notable interviewee is George Lucas, who speaks about how Campbell's ideas helped shape the Star Wars films.

Overall, Joseph Campbell: The Hero's Journey is a fascinating documentary that explores the universal appeal of the Hero's Journey. Through interviews with Campbell himself and people who have been influenced by his work, the documentary provides insights into the human experience of growth and transformation. The film includes examples of the Hero's Journey in popular culture, as well as personal insights into Campbell's life and academic career. For anyone interested in mythology, storytelling, or philosophy, Joseph Campbell: The Hero's Journey is a must-watch documentary.