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“Beyond
the Sea” is a loving tribute to the
short life and career of singer Bobby Darin.
Who was Bobby Darin, some of you might ask.
Well, true musicphiles recognize the name
as belonging to the man responsible for
numerous hit songs including, “Splish
Splash”, “Mack the Knife”
and the “Beyond the Sea.” His
career was extremely varied, having found
success as a singer/songwriter, actor and
nightclub performer. He was truly one of
the greats. All of this he achieved before
his untimely death at the age of 37.
This film has been in the works for a long
time, and had become the dream project for
actor Kevin Spacey, who is an admitted Darin
fan. He not only portrays the singer in
the film, but took the reins as director
as well. And what he has created is nothing
short of magical. While it really shouldn’t
be considered a biopic, “Beyond the
Sea” instead comes across as more
of a painted picture of Darin’s life.
It starts off late in his career, where
Darin takes under his wing a young actor
(William Ulrich) who is to portray him in
a film about his life.
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He takes on a tour of his life, some of which
takes on the look of a big budget musical. Darin’s
story shows us and the young actor both the high
points as well as the low. It is an exceptionally
well thought out film.
I myself and a fan of Kevin Spacey, and consider
him to be on of the top actors of our time. I
don’t think I’ve seen him in a single
role that he didn’t just chew and spit out.
His performance here is different only in the
fact that we get to see prove himself as and accomplished
singer and dancer as well. Spacey completely embodies
the role of Darin, and with little exception allows
you to accept that he IS Darin. The only small
glitch comes in the form of Spacey’s age.
He is much older that Darin was when he died,
so when we see him as the singer in his 20’s,
the makeup just doesn’t work. But believe
me, this is the only chink in the performer’s
armor.
We can thank Lion’s Gate Home Entertainment
for delivering this little gem out on DVD. The
film looks and sounds great, though I would have
liked to have seen a few more extra features.
There is a commentary by Spacey and producer Andy
Patterson that is quite thoughtful and well worth
a listen. You’ll also find a short making
of featurette and some cast interviews.
“Beyond the Sea” was one of those
films that deserved more attention than it received
during its theatrical run. Granted, its style
might not appeal to the typical movie audience
who expects big explosions and the like, but those
of us with an appreciation for a story well told
with some great music thrown in to boot, will
find quite the entertaining time with this movie.
Directed by: Kevin Spacey
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, John Goodman,
Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, Great Scacchi
Extras: Director and Producer Commentary, Making
of Featurette, Interviews with Cast and Crew
Specifications: Widescreen - Enhanced for 16x9
Televisions, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound,
Dolby Digital 2.0
Studio: Lions Gate Films
Release Date: 6/7/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Some Strong Language and
a Scene of Sensuality)
Website
Website
We'll give Beyond the Sea an A.
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