Joseph Campbell

Film-makers and academics discuss the use of mythology in Star Wars and the impact of the films on society

Travel with mythology expert Joseph Campbell as he explores shared iconic imagery that marks the human experience and influences our ability to dream and find our spiritual center. Campbell suggests that all religions share the same path to enlightenment, but it's up to us to make the actual journey. Evidence of the commonality of mythological symbols is investigated in the ruins of Ajanta in India, Delphi in Greece and Stonehenge in England. -

Australian-born filmmaker George Miller offers a personal view of Australian films. He suggests that they can be regarded as visual music, public dreaming, mythology, and song-lines. In extrapolating the idea of movies as song-lines he examines feature films under the following categories: songs of the land; the bushman; the convicts; the bush-rangers; mates and larrikins; the digger; pommy bashing; the sheilas; gays; the wogs; blackfellas; and urban subversion. He then concludes that these films can be thought of as "Hymns that sing of Australia."

TV mini-series.

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."