Joseph Campbell: The Hero's Journey

Joseph Campbell, who taught for many years at Sarah Lawrence University, was a professor of literature who became an authority on myth, eventually popularizing—through books and PBS programs—the theme of the “hero's journey,” not only as told in tales over the centuries, but also as an aspect of the human condition. This hour-shy biographical profile, made shortly before the writer's death in 1987, is a pleasant if thoroughly conventional introduction to Campbell's life and thought, featuring a combination of archival footage and stills along with interview excerpts (with Campbell and friends and admirers), tied together by informative (if rather dry) narration. The best part of the documentary is the coverage of Campbell's early years, including enlightening insights into the authors, artists, and theorists who influenced him (Joyce and Jung take pride of place), as well as details about his education and avocations, and Campbell's own explanations of how his ideas developed (his description of his personal religious journey, from Roman Catholicism to something much more reflective of Eastern thought, is especially revealing). Of course, Campbell was himself a great storyteller, and he exhibits that ability repeatedly here. While the emphasis on Campbell's influence on George Lucas and the Star Wars films seems a mite dated now, The Hero's Journey is otherwise an adequate and occasionally illuminating treatment of Campbell's intellectual growth and influence. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Joseph Campbell: Sukhavati is also newly available.] Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)