Beyond the Sea (2004)

Sorry, this movie sucks

One of my all time favorites.

I'll tell you why so serious

The acting in this movie is really good.

Kevin Spacey is an outstanding actor. He is also an exceptionally gifted director. As witness this biography, anything but starchy, of singer- actor Bobby Darin. Titled 'Beyond the Sea' after one of Bobby's hits, this work of art (the word is not too strong!) is not only interpreted by the star of 'Usual Suspects ', it is also sung and danced by Mr. Spacey in the style of his model and practically as well as Bobby Darin himself, as well as co-written (in cooperation with James Toback and Lewis Colick) and, as I put it before, directed – masterfully - by him. This second (and unfortunately last to-date) directorial achievement (after the already amazing « Albino Alligator ») is really breathtaking. Supposing Spacey had only managed to make a good standard biopic, he would already have been entitled to respect, for few are those who are able to juggle so many talents (playing, singing, dancing, writing & directing). But "Beyond the Sea" deserves not only respect but admiration, since besides being technically flawless, it constantly surprises by its imaginative, stimulating non-linear form. Refusing to tell the story of a life from a (the birth of the character) to z (his death), Spacey, allowing himself bold temporal round trips, literally travels through it. I think for example, of the sequences where grown up Darin dialogs with a boy who is none other than the young himself. Quite an offbeat way of entering the mystery of a man (not unlike « All That Jazz », Bob Fosse's masterpiece)... Which does not prevent Spacey from articulating the story of a true artist passing through the different stages of his life (his youth, the first bouts of rheumatic fever, his rise to success after the triumph of 'Splish Splash', his rough marriage with Sandra Dee, his more or less satisfying film career and his death hastened by bad health). All in all, what actually makes the difference with a merely illustrative biopic is how the director manages to bring extra soul to a life story which, although interesting in itself, would not have sufficed to make 'Beyond the Sea' the masterpiece it is.

I don't know much about Bobby Darin. I keep mixing him up with Bobby Van. Can't keep my Connies straight either… which one is Francis, which one is Stevens? So, when I started this movie and saw Kevin Spacey as Bobby Darin throw a hissy fit in the middle of a performance, I assumed they were trying to establish that Darin was a tantrum-throwing middle-aged has-been on his way down. And wasn't I surprised to find out later on that Mr. Darin died when he was 37 years old! I don't mind so much if a "star" plays a real person throughout times in his/her life when maybe the age thing is being stretched a little bit, especially if the film encompasses an entire life, but for Spacey to attempt this role at all was utterly ridiculous. Darin fans must be outraged, and those of us who know little or nothing about him going in will get entirely the wrong idea about him. His "courting" of Sandra Dee pinged the creep-meter all the way through, and his proclivity towards wrecking entire rooms and breaking everything he could get his hands on when something displeased him is hardly a praiseworthy trait. Spacey's age is a real problem in scenes like this; they might be more effective played by a younger actor who could embody a young creative hothead and not make the audience dislike him so much. As it is, all we see is the aforementioned middle-aged tantrum-thrower, and it's not a pretty sight. I'm sure the real Bobby Darin had many good qualities, but you'd never know it watching this film. The musical set-piece in the street was ridiculous… and again, looking at Spacey, why is this thick-waisted middle-aged man dancing in the street in the first place? Oh… he's supposed to be 20. I keep forgetting.Good points? Well, I understand that was Spacey singing… he did reasonably well covering Darin's hits. I never could stand "Splish Splash", but the title tune is nice, as is "Dream Lover". I love John Goodman but even he seemed to be phoning it in. Best performance was probably by Bob Hoskins.This is an obvious vanity piece that does not do credit to anyone involved with it. Avoid at all costs. Darin fans won't appreciate the liberties Spacey takes, and those unfamiliar with Darin will come away disliking him intensely which is more than likely not deserved.

Not only a fitting tribute to Bobby D., but an impressive display of Spacey's talent as a singer! Kudos, and a standing ovation! I was, and still am, only about ten years Darin's junior, but I missed much of his career as it unfolded. Thanks to 'Beyond the Sea', I became not only a Darin fan, but more appreciative of Mr. Spacey as well. How great that he had the initiative, talent, and money, to pay tribute to a boyhood idol in such an effective and impressive way. I bought the soundtrack to 'Beyond the Sea', (twice), and have listened and enjoyed it more than most any other. Thanks Kevin Spacey, and thank you, Bobby DarinS.H.

Spacey's passion project, "Beyond the Sea", does its job as a biopic in that it does tell the story of Darin's remarkable life. Spacey himself is absolutely outstanding, despite the age gap between himself and the real life Bobby Darin, he still plays the part to perfection. His performance is even further solidified as one of his best when he showcases his impressive singing ability with a voice that really sounds an awful lot like Darin's. Spacey captures, magnificently, Spacey's showmanship on-stage and actions off it. Kate Bosworth, John Goodman, and the rest of the supporting cast also are fantastic in their roles. Now for my only gripe- the directing. This is why I checked the "contains spoiler" box, because this may constitute a spoiler. The story is told out of order as a biopic within a show and this all gets muddled quickly. I would have loved to see the same story of Darin, for his is a life worth knowing, told by a more experienced director than Spacey. However, once the actual storytelling gets told and we start moving chronologically, Darin's life is told very well including every detail making for an entertaining movie. In the end, yes I enjoyed "Beyond the Sea" and yes I will see it again! I would say it is a must-see for any fan of Bobby Darin or even just a fan of Kevin Spacey