Finding Joe (2011)

Just what I expected

Boring, over-political, tech fuzed mess

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Blistering performances.

I felt like I was being forced to sit through an 80 minute sermon on the gospel of Joe, complete with the corny children's program and bad music. Apparently pursuing your bliss is pretty much limited to White Upper Class Males. Couldn't you find someone whose 'bliss' actually contributed to society? Let's take as our role models a rock band drummer, a post-adolescent skateboarder and a surf-bum. How inspirational is that?

This movie will surely appeal to misfits and dreamers of all stripes. It starts off promisingly, introducing a few of Joseph Campbell's key ideas, and even a couple of his subversive ones. Unfortunately, it soon devolves into interviews with several men, most of whom have unconventional occupations, and all but one of whom are white. These men delight in lecturing the audience about the ups and downs and eventual success they achieved during their own "journeys," using a profusion of nauseating "you"-statements instead of "I"-statements. The takeaway from this - that you too can have a fulfilling life if you just do what you love - is nothing new and can be heard in your local college's career counseling office. Oh, but be prepared for the road to be rocky along the way. Heard that one before?This is by a director who made his living making commercials - it shows in his visual style. He has some talent in this area, but he should have left the writing to someone else.

What stood out to me most about this film is the cinematography. I don't usually notice these things, but it really stood out. The shots were well executed, and allowed the message of the documentary to flow smoothly; with visual representations of the message. I had heard about the book The Hero With A Thousand Faces, and nothing but great things. Then, when I came across Finding Joe, and saw it was about the Hero's Journey, I was intrigued -- and pleased with what I found. Not only does it provide in- depth interviews from experts on both spirituality and success in life, but also delves into the workings of mythology, specifically the Hero's Journey, and the most fascinating aspect of this documentary -- how it applies to us. I really enjoyed this documentary and recommend a viewing!

It pains me to write anything less than a stellar review for any film promoting the works of Joseph Campbell but I need to be honest here in saying that I didn't think it was a very good way of introducing people to Joe's work.Pros:This film does go over many of Joe's basic teaching's mostly from "The Hero's Journey". Most importantly even if you have heard it all before it will likely make you think about some important things you have forgotten or lost sight of in your life, just seeing the film pulled my friend out of a depression phase he was in. It interviews an interesting range of people from philosophers to Tony Hawk.The film is technically very well done, clean images and good sound with the small exception of a few edit points where we see peoples lips moving after they stop talking for a brief moment that only a quick eye would notice.Cons:The film has a feel similar to the distasteful works of "What the Bleep do We Know" and other self help style movies, although there is no pseudo science involved. The music score and over used shots of people smiling in slow motion make much of the movie feel like an advertisement. I didn't care for the use of children in costumes to portray some of the concept in the film, but it might make sense considering this is like a child's view of Joe's work.Also it should probably be called "Losing Joe". After the very brief bio with some stills of Joe all we ever see is his quotes. Not one clip of him speaking or any in depth look at his heroes Journey. I know that the director wanted to make it a story about how he found Joe but that doesn't come through in the movie either.Overall:The movie has a good message and if you want to see Joe's work spread to more people than you should support this effort. I would however think that showing the Bill Moyer's interviews to the Joe uninitiated would be a better start.