If you know who Joseph Campbell is and the reasons why he and George Lucas were close, then you know why anyone likes these movies. They tell an intriguing and identifiable story that we each can relate to in one way or another. The original movies were greats because they introduced special effects and science fiction in a revolutionary way and on a never before done medium, the big screen. They involved everything we have come to idealize in any story, including romance, adventure, the success of good over evil, comedy - especially comedy about hardships - and so much more. More than anything else, Star Wars gives people young and old something to fulfill their inner questions about the personal quest.
Thank you. The description comes from an understanding of Campbell's work.
Joseph Campbell was an influential figure in George Lucas' life and work. The two were close friends until Campbell's death in 1987. I believe George Lucas still sits on the foundation started by Campbell.
Campbell's work was the study of world mythology, from religions to fairy tales and on to the stories found in primitive culture. Throughout his studies, Campbell found many, many threads of commonality between these religious stories and myths and wrote about them in his many books. He used references from then modern Psychology to show that the common threads were a part of mankind's psyche and were cultural perceptions of each of our inner spiritual guide to enlightenment, or what he referred to as transcendence.
Campbell's most famous work was his first solo work on mythology, "The Hero of a Thousand Faces." Other popular works include the written series, "The Masks of God," and the lengthy interview script, "The Power of Myth."
Originally posted by PacketratJoseph Campbell was an influential figure in George Lucas' life and work. The two were close friends until Campbell's death in 1987. I believe George Lucas still sits on the foundation started by Campbell.
Campbell's work was the study of world mythology, from religions to fairy tales and on to the stories found in primitive culture. Throughout his studies, Campbell found many, many threads of commonality between these religious stories and myths and wrote about them in his many books. He used references from then modern Psychology to show that the common threads were a part of mankind's psyche and were cultural perceptions of each of our inner spiritual guide to enlightenment, or what he referred to as transcendence.
Sounds like an incredible man. So, do you think he influenced George?? Say, helping him develop the Jedi etc.??
Originally posted by Lyn
Sounds like an incredible man. So, do you think he influenced George?? Say, helping him develop the Jedi etc.??
That is exactly what I'm saying. Perhaps not in the sense of explicitly suggesting Lucas create a philosophical order called the Jedi, or that there should be anything specific in the Star Wars universe, but that Campbell's work is the key to understanding how to tell great stories. Read, or even listen to or watch, The Power of Myth; it is a synopsis of his theory and study.