Hot Docs 2012 Film Review: Rick Springfield "An Affair of the Heart"

Last night, I attended the Canadian premiere of Sylvia Caminer's documentary An Affair of the Heart at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema and in attendance was not only the film-maker, but the film's subject himself, pop-idol Rick Springfield (pictured below).

There's a sad moment in An Affair of the Heart when a jaded husband/father confesses the hurt he feels when his wife's teenage crush over Rick Springfield has manifested into an adult obsession.  It's clearly tearing the family apart, but they always acquiesce when she leaves to see yet another one of his concerts.  The husband recalls their daughter asking, "Daddy, do you hate Rick Springfield too?" And he responds with a resounding, "yes, hun.  Yes I do."

Director & Producer Sylvia Caminer's documentary An Affair of the Heart is a touching portrait of how the 80's icon has impacted his fans' lives (good and bad) through his music and friendship.  The film includes many revealing interviews with Springfield (about the loss of his father and surrogate mother, his infidelity to his wife and his struggle with his 'dark' alter-ego) and several of his concert performances interspersed with fans recounting how they overcame adversity with the help of his music.

One woman remembers how Springfield's Working Class Dog album helped her heal after her open-heart surgery in the 80's and a meeting with him 30 years later finally alleviated her self-pity and anger.  In another heart-wrenching scene, a minister, who was contemplating suicide after going through an extremely traumatic experience, explains how she persevered after identifying with the anger in Springfield's 2004 album, Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance.

Of course, there are the extreme fans who just want to recapture the innocence and freedom that they once felt when they were pre-teens.  Many of them hoard Springfield paraphernalia and bear tribute tattoos.  As strange as they may appear, Caminer never paints them in a bad light - instead, she leaves judgement to the disapproving bystanders (one witness on a Springfield & Friends Cruise compares the fanaticism to a cult).

An Affair of the Heart is an extraordinary examination of how an artist uplifts his fans' lives and they in turn fulfill his.  An emotional Springfield remembers when a fan came to his rescue when he was stranded in an airport after his flight was cancelled.   Sadly, it appeared that he would miss his surrogate mother's funeral, but a devoted fan offered her ticket and a grateful Springfield made the ceremony on time.  Springfield and the fan sharing that personal moment is one of the film's most moving scenes.

Caminer's film is a labour of love.  Not just for Springfield fans (aka "Rickaholics"), but everyone who appreciates a great documentary.



An Affair of the Heart also screens tonight at the Royal Cinema at 7pm (Rick Springfield will be in attendance) and Thursday, May 3rd at the Cumberland 3 at 6:30pm.

Jessica: Free Spirit

"My style is free as possible. Basically, whatever clothes that are given, donated or whatever the universe provides me, that's what I'll wear -- that's how I live and dress."

Jessica is an artist and will be hosting an event at Nocturne on May 3rd called The Nebula Project -- a place where artists and musicians can collaborate.  So if you're excited about art and jewellery shows -- not to mention bands of different genres, then you may want to mark this amazing event on your calendar.

Raja's Classic Street Style

"I'm influenced by Italian classic chic.  I'm a big fan of men's fashion in Florence."

Jacqueline: Sunshine on Queen Street West

Jacquie: "Smart Casual"

Kristy: Hippie Chic

"I like to dress hippie-ish.  I do a lot of vintage shopping at thrift stores.  You don't have to spend a fortune on what you wear."

Karim Rashid: "Sensual Minimalism"

Renowned designer Karim Rashid stood out in Yorkville wearing this dynamic white ensemble.

Jessica

"My style can be described as 'spring time blossoming' -- colours, brightness, vivaciousness, but really classic at the same time.  Kate Middleton would be my ideal icon, as well as Grace Kelly and a little bit of flair with Marilyn Monroe."

While shooting these photographs of Jessica, I had an extreme case of déjà vu.  As it would appear, I had good reason to feel that way.  2 years ago, I coincidentally shot Jessica in virtually the same spot on Bloor Street West.

Rebecca: Laid-Back Sunday

"My style is laid-back.  I don't like wearing over-sized clothing.  I prefer wearing clothes that embody femininity."

Vlad the Entertainer

"My style can be called 'new wave 80's meets goth-rock'.  I like clothes that are androgynous and reminiscent of the alternative underground scene.  Bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, The Cure and Sisters of Mercy influence me."

Vlad is currently busy fronting for 2 bands, Avant-Cool & Breeding Ground, and will be releasing material in the near future.

Zubaida: Baduizm Style

"Singer Erykah Badu inspires my style because she's free-spirited and I'm all about that."

Chris: "Relaxed" in Roncesvalle

"My style is "simple and relaxed".

Here & Nao

Nao is the owner of Vintage Mix 1 -- a popular vintage store at 186 Ossington Avenue.

"I love Christian Dior 50's-style.  My store specializes in vintage accessories and clothing from the 60's to 80's."

Derrick: Style Legacy

"My look is fashionable and easy.  My father inspired my style.  He was always focussed on details and I carried-on his tradition."

Scott: "Classic Comfortable"

Alina: April Showers

Alina quickly caught my attention riding her bike in the pouring rain on Queen Street West.  

"I wear whatever's comfortable and spontaneous.  My sister has a huge influence on my style.  I'm always grabbing clothes from her closet."

Dushyan: The Colour of Style

"My style is best described as modern, chic and elegant.  My fashion-sense was first inspired by my mother, who is a designer.  She taught me how to use colours in order to complement features, moods and environments.  I think a lot of men play it safe with colour -- not me.  I think that's why I stand out.  Sadly, men don't accessorize as much as they should."

Laura & Griffin

"My style is New York inspired.  Clean lines -- nothing too flashy. Simple and classic."

Erika: Miley Cyrus Style

"I like to dress it up a notch with skirts and dresses.  Miley Cyrus is my inspiration.  She's a celebrity who's easy to emulate because she doesn't wear a lot of expensive brands."

Paul: Dapper in the Fashion District

"My style is a mixture of luxury, vintage and everyday street-wear.  I love John Varvatos' designs, Prada footwear and David Beckham's style."

Jessica: Colour Splash

"I'm a chameleon -- I wear everything from punk, rockabilly, metal and ball gowns.  It's not what you wear, it's how you wear it and the confidence that you bring with it."

Armida: In the Mood for Fun

"I put on what I feel would match my mood -- whatever's fun."

Check out Armida's column for Trend Hunters covering fashion and advertising trends.

Eva & James: Middle-Eastern Flair

"Years ago, I travelled through Beirut so my style is very much influenced by the Middle East.  From this head-dress I'm wearing, I'm saying warfare ends and wardrobe begins."

Erika: Girlie with an Edge

"I'm a mix of girlie and hard edge.  It's embarrassing to say, but I'm influenced by Mary-Kate's style -- even though she's an Olsen twin."

Joseph: "Everyday's An Inspiration"

"My style is eclectic, bright and fun.  I'm often inspired by day-to-day people.  Everyday's an inspiration."