Beyond the Sea Movie Review 2004

Energetic if superficial biography of Bobby Darin is the personal labor of love for director/star/producer Spacey--even if he's technically too old for the role (Darin died at 37 in 1973). His conceit is showcasing the older Darin in his own fantasy autobiography, beginning with his childhood self (Ullrich) and advancing confidently as Darin finds success crooning at the Copa, becomes a teen idol with the ditty "Splish Splash," and falls in love with teenaged golden girl actress Sandra Dee (Bosworth). This being showbiz, things eventually take a downward spiral for the insecure Darin as his smooth style becomes irrelevant in the hippie sixties before he attempts the inevitable comeback. It's Spacey's show (and he supplies his own more-than-adequate vocals) but supporting actors Hoskins, Blethyn, Aaron, and Goodman all run with their screen time. Title is taken from a 1960 Darin hit.

Distribution

CinemaNow, 4553 Glencoe Ave., Ste. 200, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, URL: http://www.cinemanow.com, Remarks: Formerly known as Lions Gate Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 121 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Biopics: Musicians, Biopics: Showbiz, True Stories, Period Piece: 1950s, Period Piece: 1960s, Viva Las Vegas!

Screenplay

Kevin Spacey, Lewis Colick

Cast

Kevin Spacey, Kate (Catherine) Bosworth, John Goodman, Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, Greta Scacchi, Caroline Aaron, Peter Cincotti, William Ullrich, Tayfun Bademsoy

Cinematography

Eduardo Serra

Director

Kevin Spacey

Music

Christopher Slaski

Other

Nick Foley, Trevor Waite, Ruth Myers, Andrew Laws

Producer

Andy Paterson, Kevin Spacey, Jan Fantl, Arthur E. Friedman, Trigger Street, Archer Street, QI Quality Intl., Lions Gate Films