Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth
An exhilarating journey into the mind and spirit of a remarkable man, a legendary teacher, and a masterful storyteller, conducted by TV journalist Bill Moyers in the acclaimed PBS series. Includes The Hero's Adventure, The Message of the Myth, The First Storytellers, Sacrifice and Bliss, Love and the Goddess, Masks of Eternity. 360 minutes.
Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth is essential viewing for anyone old enough to appreciate its vital teachings. One of the greatest interviews ever recorded, this six-part, six-hour encounter between teacher- mythologist Campbell and student-journalist Bill Moyers (recorded in the two years preceding Campbell's death in 1988) covers a galaxy of topics related to Campbell's central themes: Mythology is humanity's universal method of seeking the transcendental, and "follow your bliss" is the timeless formula for spiritual satisfaction. Campbell himself is the embodiment of these themes, an erudite scholar and quintessential storyteller, recalling a wide spectrum of myths from throughout history (Japanese, Native American, Egyptian, Mayan, and many more) to illustrate humankind's eternal quest to grasp the mysteries of creation. Historical artifacts and illustrations bring these timeless stories to life. An astute interviewer, Moyers is an acolyte in perfect harmony with Campbell-as- mentor, wording questions with penetrating perfection as their intellectual dance reaches exhilarating heights of meaning and fascination. Moyers also finds the perfect hook for a global audience, examining Campbell's admiration of George Lucas's Star Wars saga as a popular tapestry of ancient myths, and Lucas himself is interviewed in a DVD bonus segment ("I'm not creating a new myth," he says, "but telling old myths in a new way"). Campbell's seemingly endless well of knowledge reaches a simple conclusion: we need myths to survive like we need oxygen to breathe, as a life force with which to understand our existence--past, present, and future. --Jeff Shannon
Actor: Joseph Campbell (III); Bill Moyers
Release Date: 2001-10-09
Manufacturer: Mystic Fire Video
Format: Color; DVD; NTSC
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Last updated: December 9, 2009, 4:10 am
Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth Customer reviews:
Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 164
(David W. Smith, 2009-12-09) One of the most amazing series of conversations ever with the world's greatest storyteller. Absolutely flawless production.
(student of life, 2009-08-28) The Power of Myth is perfect for thoughtful and curious persons of the human race! Campbell had such a unique global perspective of mythology, he was truly a respected authority and philosopher. Certainly I have been "caught" by the messages in Power of Myth; it has made the mystery of life more alive for me in ways religion and spiritual gurus have not. The DVD also has special features like an interview with George Lucas, who was befriended and mentored by Campbell.
(Linda Wenrick, 2009-08-10) What Joe Campbell adds to Carl Jung, if such is possible, should be acknowledged. His answer to "how do you know?" is a showstopper: personal experience. And he asks us to use the same measuring tape in constructing our mythical minds. Bill Moyer wants to know what happens when you "follow your bliss" -- Campbell's pithy adage for spiritual success. Answer to the koan? You find it. And much more in this sage multi-cultural adventure. It's memorable and gift-worthy for those looking for themselves in all the wrong places. However, to my mind, what's missing here is Jung's wisdom in recognizing the Feminine for what it is: a separate psychological reality and pathway beyond social roles or male projections -- outside of male Hero mythology. (We often experience things differently, such as the phenomena of childbirth) We're fortunate to have embraced them both on our Planet.
(A. Larson, 2009-08-04) I received a two-disk DVD of The Power of Myth. Both disks were the same. I communicated by email with this seller (Arthur), who replied that I could return it for a full refund. I asked for the address. I have never heard back from them. I would say that these people are unethical, and I would avoid all dealings with them. I would give zero stars.
(Bob Fake Name, 2009-07-12) Highly recommended. Get it or rent it from your library. This "Power of Myth" series is a great landmark of American television. Few are as charismatic and knowledgeable of this subject matter and as natural a teacher as Campbell. It is a pleasure just listening to the old man recount the old stories and make them come alive. Imagine sitting at a campfire with Campbell as your storyteller. Something in you would be touched as you participate in a ritual older than civilization and as old as our race. The Power of Myth is as close as you can get to being with Campbell at the campfire. But he mostly gets asked a lot of good questions. Questions you'd want to ask him about what it all means, after you hear his retelling of a great tale. Recorded in the late 1980s, shortly before Joseph Campbell's death, it is the culmination of his long, influential life as our society's greatest teacher of the old myths, spiritual traditions, and folklore. It is also one of the great accomplishments in the long and remarkable career of arguably one of America's greatest journalists Bill Moyers. To this day people are discovering this series and being inspired and it will continue to inspire for many years to come. *Power* of myth. There is power here. Campbell was primarily interested in how these stories could empower YOU. He talked much about societal functions these myths had, but what is best about Campbell seems to me, now years after discovering him, is the inspirational aspect of his work -to the individual- and the delight it provides to your imagination. Worlds open up. Ancient and seemingly eternal. Many have gone before you and many will come after you. You relate to this chain and do not feel alone. Reading Campbell is *fun*. The guy has been accused of being right-wing. Don't know about that. Don't care. Campbell is a humanist. Maybe he'd disagree? But his work is humanistic. Yes, there are debates about Campbell's interpretation of myths and religions. I actually agree with some fundamental criticisms, but I still appreciate this series and very much value my experience of it and I value Campbell's work.