The Hero's Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell (1987)
Holoform Research Inc.

Description

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 and discovery.

Collected reviews and ratings

8.3 digitallyobsessed.com | Jon Danziger

This is a fine, Moyers-free introduction to Campbell and his work, and goes down easier than a first read of his The Hero With a Thousand Faces. Star Wars fans will especially enjoy seeing from where much of Lucas's saga was inspired, but even if the Force isn't with you, there's much to admire about Campbell, the man and the thinker.
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8.0 killermovies.com | Robert J. McNamara

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.
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5.0 DVD Talk | Paul Mavis

I would have liked to see more contrast in The Hero's Journey: A Biographical Portrait; as it is, it's basically a celebration of Campbell. That's fine, but The Hero's Journey: A Biographical Portrait would have been a deeper, more satisfying experience had some opposing scholarly viewpoints been introduced into the documentary.
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4.0 Washington Post | Hal Hinson

If you're the least bit familiar with the late writer and mythologist Joseph Campbell, then "The Hero's Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell" probably won't supply much new information. The documentary, which was directed by William Free and Janelle Balnicke, is strictly classroom stuff. And, as such, more than a little frustrating: You'd think the guy deserved better.
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