Genre: Drama/Biography/Musical
Director: Kevin Spacey
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Bob Hoskins, Brenda Bleythn
RunTime: 2 hrs
Released By: Cathay-Keris Films
Rating: PG

Release Date: 20 April 2006

Synopsis :

For BOBBY DARIN (Kevin Spacey), performing was his life. It kept his heart beating. He came alive onstage, even when he was near collapse offstage. In BEYOND THE SEA, Bobby tells us his own story, in his last great performance.

With a heart damaged by rheumatic fever, Walden Robert Cassotto – Little BOBBY (William Ullrich) isn’t supposed to live to see age 15. But when his mother POLLY (Brenda Blethyn) shows him the happiness that comes with music, Bobby finds the inspiration he needs to stay alive. Making music opens a world beyond sickness, where prodigious talent, drive and
imagination can overcome a faulty heart. With the help and support of his devoted family - Polly, his older sister NINA (Caroline Aaron) and Nina’s husband CHARLIE (Bob Hoskins) - Bobby will become a star.

And so he does. Working with his best friend and manager, STEVE BLAUNER (John Goodman), Bobby charts his own stubbornly eclectic musical path, writing original songs and performing in a range of genres. Turning his sights beyond music, Bobby launches a movie career and marries America’s favorite young star, SANDRA DEE (Kate Bosworth). But Bobby’s relentless professional ambition has begun to poison his private life, and the late 60s find him isolated, confused and directionless. In the end, with his childhood illness finally catching up with him, Bobby must look to his friends, family and extraordinary talent to quell his demons and accept
who he is and what his life has meant.

Movie Review:

With a publicity poster showing singer Bobby Darin (Kevin Spacey) singing and another with him in a dancing pose with a pretty lady, it’s easy to assume that this is a film that is going to delve into the arena of dance (Think “Flashdance”, “Dirty Dancing”, “Grease”, “Sinatra”, and the recent hit “Ray”). These films we have seen it all. But “Beyond the Sea” is special. From the opening sequence when Bobby Darin (Kevin Spacey) strode along the inner corridors of the concert hall (which is reminiscent of Robbie William’s DVD opening sequence for his concert in the Albert Hall) to his resilient nature and determined character, this films will surely entice the audience and draw them into the interesting albeit struggling life of Bobby Darin.

Thirty minutes into the film, let’s face it. Bobby Darin is neither gifted not talented. Not even close. He is becoming bald and he has no connections. His public relations staff is roped in among his close peers and far from being professional. His rapport with the various managers in the music and entertainment scene is weak and lack support. Even the delivery boy on the streets has not heard his name. And Bobby Darin knows this. That’s why he once exclaimed to a manager that “The day the delivery boy knows me, I’m famous” even though he is being told otherwise. Despite being in such circumstances, Bobby Darin has something that will ultimately propel him to success: pure grit and determination. His never-say-die attitude allowed him to live (His mum was told that he will not live past fifteen) twenty-two years longer. But he did, and he made it big.

With a blend of fantasy (numerous editing cuts discounting the transition of time and space), musical (which is reminiscent of Gene Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain”) and self-reflection (Bobby Darin often converses with his younger self, indicating a sign of subtle schizophrenia), this film transforms and differentiates itself from any other films that even comes close to these genres. It also lightens up the character of Bobby Darin and depicts him as a mortal, and hence fallible.

At forty-seven, Kevin Spacey may be deemed too old to take on the role of the young Bobby Darin. Nevertheless, Kevin Spacey approached the role akin to the demeanour of a young lad fresh out of Hell’s Kitchen, looking for a piece of street that he can call his own. Looking good but not too sharp, Kevin Spacey seems to fit the role perfectly as the underdog who sings, dance and struggle to the glamorous finish. Coupled with his directorial effort, Kevin Spacey seems to be on a roll, with yet another acclaimed film under his belt. His co-star Kate Bosworth, while deserving the commendation for her performance, pales in comparison with Kevin Spacey when it comes to screen charisma. Kevin Spacey has definitely not lost his edge after “The Usual Suspect” and “American Beauty”.

While starting off with a series of Jazz tracks such as “Mack the Knife”, this film surprises the audience with a series of Rock & Roll and Country as well, thus giving the film a refreshing perspective on music genres and their ability to synthesise. Get ready to be serenaded by the strong vocal performances.
It’s always nice to watch this film with a friend after a relaxing dinner. Just as this writer has enjoyed this film with his friend.

Movie Rating:



(Exhilaratingly uplifting and inspiring, ‘Beyond the Sea’ epitomises the life of a singing legend!)

Review by Patrick Tay