Cast: Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, John Goodman, Gretta Scacchi, Caroline Aaron, William Ullrich
Director: Kevin Spacey
Producers: Jan Fantl, Arthur E. Friedman, Andy Paterson, Kevin Spacey
Screenplay: Lewis Colick
Cinematography: Eduardo Serra
Music: Christopher Slaski
U.S. Distributor: Lions Gate Films
One has to wonder what compelling qualities Kevin Spacey saw in the life story of Bobby Darin. Beyond the Sea, Spacey's bio-pic of the singer/songwriter/actor, plays like a conventional melodrama, complete with a star-crossed romance, troubled marriage, and late-innings comeback. Like Ray, the film regurgitates softened details of the lead character's life, presenting them in a straightforward and ultimately monotonous manner. Beyond the Sea is saved by energetic musical numbers, and gets a nod above Ray because it is more than 30 minutes shorter.
One of the film's biggest gaffes is Spacey's decision to play the role of Darin himself. That's not a surprising choice, since Darin is one of Spacey's idols, and Beyond the Sea has long been a dream project for the actor/director. However, at the time of his death, Darin was 37. When he first attained stardom, he was 22. Spacey, at age 44 when the movie was lensed, looks to old to play Darin at any stage of his life, especially during the early years. The movie includes a lame "explanation" for this, but it doesn't do anything to overcome the huge suspension of disbelief hurdle. In Ray, we always believe we're watching Ray Charles (except for one ill-advised scene in which the character is allowed to "see"). In Beyond the Sea, Spacey eclipses Darin. The actor too often overshadows the character he plays.
On the other hand, Spacey does something Jamie Foxx never attempted: sings. Darin's performances are all Spacey. The musical sequences deliver an extra jolt of energy because we're aware that the actor playing the singer is actually doing the singing, rather than lip-synching to a recording. (Although, to be fair, Spacey was most likely lip-synching to his own singing.) In terms of pure acting, however, this is one of Spacey's weakest performances. It could be accurately said that he mimics Darin rather than inhabiting him.
The movie offers an overview of Darin's life. For the most part, it is presented chronologically, although there is a weak framing device, and the film occasionally lapses into musical fantasy sequences. From the time when he contracts Rheumatic Fever as a child to his premature death from open heart surgery in 1973, Beyond the Sea, plays like Darin's "greatest hits." We see his early successes in pop music, his romancing of actress Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth), his triumphant gig at the Copacabana, a shocking revelation about his parentage, his tireless campaigning for Bobby Kennedy, and his late-life health problems and career decline. Along the way, we hear more than a dozen classic songs, including "Splish Splash," "Mac the Knife," "Dream Lover," and the title track.
Beyond the Sea offers a disclaimer stating that, although the events in the film are based on factual occurrences, changes have been made and the result may not meet with the approval of the survivors. It is also worth noting that Dodd Darin, Darin's son with Sandra Dee, is listed as a consultant. Combined with Spacey's acknowledged love of Darin, this may explain why many of the character's rough edges have been filed off. Like Ray, Beyond the Sea is at times guilty of hero worship. Incidents left out include Dee's bouts with anorexia (although her alcoholism is depicted) and Darin and Dee's 1967 divorce. Although he subsequently remarried in 1973, shortly before his death, the movie allows us to believe that he and Dee were together until he took his final bow.
Beyond the Sea doesn't include any great performances, but it has its share of competent ones. Although Bosworth is uneven as Dee, supporting players like Bob Hoskins and Brenda Blethyn offer solid turns. John Goodman is underused (he spends most of his time either standing around looking important or yelling) and Gretta Scacchi (as Mary, Dee's mother) does her best Susan Sarandon impersonation. William Ullrich, the boy playing young Darin, will not go down in the annals of cinema as one of the most naturally charismatic prepubescent performers.
Despite the choppy narrative and inappropriate casting of Spacey, Beyond the Sea managed to keep me entertained (if not always involved). Certain scenes, like Darin and Dee's first married night together and Darin's final Las Vegas concert, are heartfelt and genuinely moving. Unfortunately, they are balanced out by embarrassing sequences such as the big fight between husband and wife that plays as unintentionally comedic. In the end, like Ray, it's a bit of a mixed bag and a disappointment. Great music and a few good scenes do not a movie make, but if you're a fan of Darin or his era, Beyond the Sea will likely represent an undemanding place in which to try the water.
© 2004 James Berardinelli