An Affair of the Heart

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.

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!

As a fan of Rick Springfield for over 30 years, I was not surprised that I enjoyed this documentary immensely! I would, however, like to share my reviews of this for anyone who has not witnessed this phenomenal performer at least once in their lifetime. Not only is Rick Springfield an unparalleled performer, he is, as witnessed in this documentary, a deep, soulful, considerate individual to his fans! The stories of his connection to the fans are amazing! You will laugh, cry, and connect as a human to some truly amazing people. This is a gift of a documentary! Don't delay in viewing this fine piece of cinematic genius!!!!!

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 :)

If you always wondered what it is about Rick Springfield here's your chance to find out. This film shows the amazing connection between Rick and his fans. You could never fully understand the dedication the 2 have unless you are have witnessed it or watched this video.

Great job in bringing us all more closer together and teaching others what it is about Rick Springfield that keeps bringing us back for more.

It is not about Rick himself and was never intended to be it is about us his fans and what he means to us and the family it has made by our love for this man.

Take a chance watch it you might finally get it.