Written, directed and starring Kevin Spacey is a film about the young famous musician Bobby Darin. In his debut as a write and a director Kevin Spacey does exceptionally well. Acting wise, Kevin Spacey arguably has delivered his best performance since 2001's K-Pax. He stars along Kate Bosworth who plays actress Sandra Dee, as well as, John Goodman and Bob Hoskins.
As a biopic, Beyond the Sea is made with solid storytelling and detailed descriptions. The film makes sure just like The Aviator that it doesn't tell you the person's life, but instead shows it to you. With that said, it has some superb singing and dancing by Kevin Spacey. I for one never knew Kevin Spacey could turn himself into both of those and direct the film all together.
Beyond the Sea is a mix of many genres that you'd want in a film. There is comedy, dramatic scenes, romance and singing all combined in this movie. Not to mention, there is dancing that should fascinate audiences. From tap dancing to slow dancing, this film should touch audiences everywhere and might even get them to start dancing. Only at home most likely, would that happen.
There are flaws in the character that is Bobby Darin. He ends up placing his career before his family at one point, but of course as any other human being with feelings ends up apologizing and regretting the bad he has done. There are peaks and downfalls when Hollywood comes around and both sides are shown in this film. Everything can't last forever though and it is distributed in this film.
Many can argue that Beyond the Sea is a rather short film and it would have worked better as a television special. I in some ways agree because the film moves along quickly, but then again this film is bigger than your average film production and deserves a better place than television. Beyond the Sea doesn't really have much flaws except minor ones that doesn't affect it as a whole.
This film is half drama and half musical. When Darin isn't on stage, he is making a movie or spending time with his family. Spacey's direction can clearly be seen that he makes sure he shows all the sides and not just Bobby's career. Beyond the Sea digs deep into Hollywood and injects the good and the bad, the positives and the negatives. The money might be worth it, but the complications with life outside of the career might not.
The combination of strong elements that this film shows can't be done without a strong visual. If not praised Spacey show he is talented in the cast and behind the camera. In this case, he was always in front of the camera and demonstrates that he has no limit to what he can do with cinema. Take Beyond the Sea for as little as it is and you will find a lot to like in it.
Beyond the Sea is a very interesting film and gives a rather good side to what made Bobby Darin move. He as a human being was talented and always set out for his dreams. Spacey portrays Bobby well enough to make himself look younger than his true age. As a biopic, Beyond the Sea is no where near as good as The Aviator, but it offers a nice miniature picture of how Darin made his career back in the 60's.
