An Affair of the Heart

source: An Affair of the Heart

The last few months I've been going through a documentary phase, partly because I plan on producing one myself, but mostly because I always found them fascinating. A friend suggested that I watch "An Affair of the Heart", a doc about 80's pop-star Rick Springfield. While not a die-hard fan like the ones featured in the film, I appreciated his music and relevance at the time. I have to say first and foremost, the film made me care about Rick; he was forthright with his issues and demons and I feel he and the filmmakers presented an honest perspective. At one point the film cut to personal stories about people facing adversity and I was "what does this have to do with Rick Springfield?", but that soon turned into some of the most touching footage of the film. I know how important it is to touch someone and have them resonate with you, and the film showed us that Rick has compassion towards people and his fans...when they need him. I thought the pacing was excellent, with the right amount of interview/fan segments and concert footage. I was never bored and don't think I picked up my tablet once during the film. Some of my favorite segments were on the cruise ship with just Rick and his piano, pouring out his heart. I met my best friend in an Elton John chat room on AOL 20 years ago, so I could relate to the Rick Springfield fans meeting and bonding for life as well. From a technical perspective, it was shot well...no shaky, amateurish looking shots and the concert footage was excellent. The sound and editing were top-notch as well and I appreciate all the work that goes into a production of this magnitude. Great job!

I walked into "An Affair of the Heart" at the 2012 Boston Film Festival without expectations, as I didn't know or recall much of Rick Springfield's music, didn't know he still performs, and knew nothing about the Grateful Dead-esque phenomenon of his still dedicated fan base. What I discovered was an entertaining, well shot and briskly paced story that was often hilarious, often deeply emotional, and always interesting. Mostly I admired the film's raw honesty in exploring people's personal stories, dreams and difficulties in life, and why they're drawn together to follow an artist who seems most unlikely at first, but proves to make sense in the final analysis. The periodic concert footage of this charismatic performer is exciting and fun, making you feel as if you're right there in the front row. But it's never mere concert footage, there's always an emotional story pushing it forward. The music is solid, and broad in range. My favorite was a gorgeous acoustic rendition of a poignant song I'd never heard (like most) called "My Father's Chair," a poetic piece about the loss of his father with a final line that it's hard not to tear up at. Fans of the artist will love the film because they'll see him and themselves honestly portrayed on the big screen. For the rest of us, it's a fine exploration of universal human emotions, from the triumphant to the uncomfortable.

Saw this doc at it's official opening night at NYC's IFC Center. Just wonderful. The title is spot on, "Affair of the Heart"....It's about the love fans hold for Rick Springfield, and the love he holds for his fans. You don't need to know or like his music to enjoy this film. The documentary team follows Rick around the world to various concerts, but this is not so much about his music, but about how he does this for his fans - who are as loyal as they come. The director, Sylvia Caminer, does another great job - she has really grown as a filmmaker. Her heart is ever present. You'll really feel as if you know each of the highlighted fans, and Rick. The editor does a stupendous job. Go see it, you won't regret a moment.

I received my long awaited copy and love it. It's an accurate portrayal of real Rick fans as well as the connection Rick has with his lifelong fans. This is not your run of the mill documentary. It tells the story from the flip side-from the fan's point of view. You don't have to be an over the top Rick fan to appreciate this movie. You will have a new found appreciation of the artist and the unique way that he connects with his fans. It's a human story and we can all use more of that. It is full of real, raw and emotional stories write from the heart. What a great legacy to document the impact you've had on so many lives!! Even got my hubby and kids to watch with me :)

Affair of the Heart looks at Rick Springfield's devoted fan base. This movie really sparkles when it focuses on the groupies, which is the majority of the film. What I liked best was how the fans told their own stories of what led them to a place where so much of their time and resources are devoted to a former teen idol whose heyday was more than 25 years ago. Included are some very moving personal stories, interviews with spouses of the fans and their feelings about dealing with the obsessions of their significant others and a lot of recent concert footage. The movie drags when it gets into Springfield's career a little. It's all basic pop star stuff. It wasn't of much interest to me and wouldn't appeal to anyone other than devoted fans. Fortunately this doesn't take up much of the film. Springfield is the star of the film. He's on camera a lot both performing and being interviewed and comes off as a likable star with a good perspective on life. He clearly loves performing and enjoys taking the time to get to know his devoted fans. The connection between the star and his fans makes for an interesting film that's well worth seeing.

I would tell anyone who likes rock music that Rick Springfield is way more than "Jesse's Girl." Listen to "Don't Talk to Strangers," for instance, as an example of a perfectly-crafted pop song. I was interested in this documentary as a look at what he is all about and, as promised, what the people are like who still follow his every move. There are some extremely moving stories in this movie of fans whose lives have been touched by Rick's music, and it is interesting to see how Rick comes to terms with and embraces these fans. Where the film doesn't follow through is on the story of Rick himself. There are 2-3 times when you think we the film is going to explore a little of his dark side, and then it quickly retreats. Rick is referred to as having been a "dick" but it isn't elaborated upon. Rick cheated on his wife, but we don't really get her viewpoint, even as he is still knee-deep in women throwing themselves at him. His depression is covered mostly in a montage of clips from interviews promoting his book, rather than by the filmmaker. This is where a slight credibility gap emerges and the piece leans toward propaganda. Rick has saved the fans, that's clear; the fans helped save Rick, but from exactly what isn't fully explored. He's written a book and maybe that's what the film's purpose is to get people to purchase. It is interesting at first when you get former MTV veejay Mark Goodman commenting positively on Rick's recent music, but less credible when it is revealed he is an employee on Rick's cruise. Several of the documentary encounters with fans are clearly events manufactured by the filmmakers: Rick showing up in fans' hotel room, fans' husbands sneaking into concert. Compare those to the airplane incident with a fan and his friendship with Dustin and I'd suggest none of the manufactured drama held a candle to the real stuff. So that is the conflict of the film: Fascinating material and great music that I wish Rick and the filmmakers would have trusted an audience with in tandem with a less varnished look at Rick and his fans. Lastly, wish they could have used more of his music from the mid-'70s part of his career, as the visuals from Comic Book Heroes made me want to hear some of that great album!

I really enjoyed watching AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART, a documentary about musician, singer/songwriter, actor and author Rick Springfield. It is the first time I have seen an in depth, back stage look at the relationship a musician has with his fans. I like how viewers got a glimpse of the lives of several of Rick's loyal fans and how he and his music had a positive impact on them. Each of their stories was heartwarming, as was their relationship with Springfield. I must say I have a greater appreciation of Rick Springfield after seeing the film. So glad AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART is out on DVD and Blu-ray.

I ended up seeing this movie with a friend and I have to say that I loved it... and I didn't expect that. The stories were so genuine and heart warming. It tells the story of how a song or a band or an artist can affect our lives. We have all, at one time, probably felt that way. I know I could relate to everything that everyone has been through when you see this movie. I first became aware of Rick Springfield during the General Hospital years and had lost track of him since and now I am a fan again! This movie is not just for fans of Rick Springfield, but for fans in general. If you have ever been a loyal fan, you will relate to the people in this movie. You will enjoy their stories as I did. I am so glad I saw this move and can't wait to see it again!!!

To my surprise I absolutely loved AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART and I'm not even a Rick Springfield fan! I actually saw it twice when it premiered here in Toronto because I loved all the personal stories of how Springfield helped change and inspire so many lives. And the sense of community amongst the fans over the years and decades was so heartwarming to see. This documentary is so much more than what you think it might be about. Just go and see it! As for the music and Springfield's performances, I was amazed! Great music and incredible energy on stage! And the film makers Sylvia Caminer, Melanie Lentz-Janney and David Dean all did a fantastic job in storytelling. They really brought out universal themes of the power of community and living your passion in life despite difficult times. Why are you still reading this review? Go see it now!