Erin,
I wasn't thinking of Star Wars as a modern myth at the time, but it's
probably the most mythology-saturated film I have ever seen. George Lucas
actually was inspired by Campbell and conferred with him during the making of
the film. I suppose these new myths, if they have the depth and
accessibility of past myths and can enter the subconscious of the public,
will be able to keep alive the ideals of mythology.
Though I liked Star Wars, I think this sort of myth has been played out too
much in modern cinema and literature, where a clearly defined hero takes on a
clearly defined enemy. The heroes I personally identify with are not Rambo
and Harry Potter, but people like Travis Bickle in "Taxi Driver" or Pacino's
character (forgot his name) in "Dog Day Afternoon"--- people who may be
looked down upon as outcasts in society, and sometimes rightfully so, but
nevertheless perform acts of benevolence in a more day to day sense.
Exploring the complex psyche of the hero instead of simply casting him into
an archetypal, dragon-slaying hero situation I think allows audiences to
better connect with a hero. Perhaps this is the way myths are now evolving.
Above all, the purpose of the myth should be to reach the conscious of the
public and give a sense of purpose to their lives, instill in them knowledge
of the Campbellian "hero's journey."
The Adam and Eve myth I think is the most important in western culture. When
Adam eats the apple, he affirms life, decides to accept the vacillations and
uncertainty of earthly life above the simple, but boring, pleasures of
Heaven. This relates to every human being as he or she exits the safety of
the mother's womb to enter life, as well as later in life when he or she
might have to leave home to seek out a living. It establishes man as the
voice of reason and woman as the temptress who brings man into life.
Rasheed
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