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This,in case you dont know, is a film about the short life of the singer Bobby Darin who died at the tragically young age of 37 due to heart problems,which affected him most of his life.Darin is played by Oscar winning actor Kevin Spacey who sings all the songs in a very good impersonation of Darin. This is quite a brave move as most other films about singers use original recordings which the lead actor mime to, and Spacey as I say does a good job. The Film follows Darin from his childhood right the way through to his untimely death, but unless you are a fan of Darin your attention may waver from time to time. The Songs include ofcourse "Beyond the Sea","Mack the Knife",and "Splish Splash" and if you are sufficiently impressed with Spacey's attempt at Darin's voice there is a CD of the Soundtrack available.A difficult propositon but Spacey just about pulls it off,but I cant see anybody other than an ardemt darin fan watching this DVD more than once.Read full review
PLOT: LOOSELY based on the life Bobby Darin~who rose TO stardom by his songs he both wrote and sang and marriage to Sandra Dee~ 17 years to get this movie to the screen~ studios thought Kevin Spacey 44 was a bit too 'mature' for the youthfull Darin~ but Spacey "makes this movie" ~ he both sang the sounds and he can dance~ plot is the weakness~ told from Bobby who suffered from heart disease~ and ill health~ finds his musical talents make him a "music sensation" and SONG writer~ including Mack the Knife and Splish Spash~ both earned him Gold Records~ Spacey handles "SINGING" and takes on Bobby in voice and attitude and earned a well deserved Oscar Nomination~ Kate Bosworth ALSO GOOD~ AS Sandra Dee who he met while filming Come September and which leads to a very youthful marriage~ that is at times a battle zone~ but the couple survive her alchoholism and his ill health~ Darin finds out his "sister" was in reality was his Mother~ Darin who died very young at the age of 36 years old from heart disease~this movie is very entertaining~this would have been a 5 star movie for the lack of script which spends far too much time with singing "flashbacks" which are confusing and distracting~ but the Spacey performance is top notch~ I GIVE IT 4 OUT OF 5 FOR VERY GOOD BUT BIO WHO NEEDED A BETTER SCRIPT WRITER~ IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE~Read full review
This is a great film Kevin spacey is just terrific as the singer Bobby Daren. A true joy 2 watch. I enjoy bio pics of well known entertainers and this was exceptional, engaging I didn't really grow up listening to his music he was a 'touch' before my time but with this film I have a appreciation of his work. Great cast takes viewer back in time, Kevin Spacey is exceptional in his role of BD AND THE FILM'S DIRECTOR
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
"Beyond the Sea" is the story of Bobby Darin. The main character is portrayed by Oscar-winner, Kevin Spacey. The film opens with Bobby Darin making a film of his own life. He is soon confronted by himself as a child and the whole story takes off from there. I realize that what I just wrote does not make you want to see this movie at all, however . . .have patience and keep an open mind. Most of the Bobby Darin story is told by the artist's music. "Mac the Knife", "Splish, Splash" and the title song, "Beyond the Sea" are but a few. I was surprised at how many different types of music Bobby Darin had written. His idol was Frank Sinatra and most of the music has the "big band, yet funky" sound of the early 50's. What would that type of music be without dancing and, indeed this film provides lots of it. Many scenes are like that of musicals of the times such as "West Side Story". If anyone told me I would have enjoyed this type of musical production, I'd have not believed them. But, "Beyond the Sea" is so well-done and Bobby Darin's music so compelling, I found myself wrapped in it's magic after the first few scenes. I was not aware that Bobby Darin was sickly as a child. He had rheumatic fever and because he stayed home so much, was musically coached by his mom who was not only musically talented, but also quite theatrical. Because his mom was such an influence on him, I could tolerate the scenes where he was confronted by himself as a child. For who among us has not felt like a child again in the presence of "mom"? There is a child inside us all and mine felt like dancing and singing along to the terrific music showcased in this film. The story weaves through Bobby's life, his hardships as a child, his rise to stardom, his family life, his marriage to Sandra Dee and the ups and downs of his long career. Unlike other films I've seen of this genre, there is closure at the end as Bobby resolves the conflicts of his life knowing he is soon to die. The conclusion is portrayed in the same mystical, musical scenes used throughout the story and the passage of time is marked in a unique and wonderful way. I highly recommend this DVD. If you purchase it close the blinds and open your mind and a large bag of popcorn. Get yourself past the opening scenes just like you got yourself past the first paragraph of this review. I envy you your first journey "Beyond the Sea" and into the compelling music and theatre that was Bobby Darin.Read full review
This movie, while not a big commercial success, was obviously a labor of love by KEVIN SPACEY, who is a self admitted BOBBY DARIN fanatic, like many of us. The movie, although kind of "typical" in plot and storyline, chronicles the life and career (though short) of an incredibly talented and versatile songwriter, performer, musician, producer, and singer, BOBBY DARIN. KEVIN SPACEY'S attention to detail, especially in his character treatment is uncanny; and he does a very good job on vocals for the soundtrack, working with legendary producer, PHIL RAMONE, and some stellar London based musicians. Arrangements are somewhat different than the originals, but the incredible performances by SPACEY and the session players overshadow any real negatives. Being from Seattle, I was drawn personally to this movie, since as a point of trivia, BOBBY DARIN toured with a Seattle based band, THE FRANTICS in 1958 and 1959. They themselves, were already becoming regional and nationally prominent. He decided to take them in to the studio in Seattle, where they cut the rhythm tracks for "DREAM LOVER" and several others. DARIN reportedly was so impressed, he took the FRANTICS' tracks back to New York for background vocals and other "sweetening", and "DREAMLOVER" was released by ATCO in 1959, to become a huge and signature hit of DARIN'S. Those of us who were around back then, are indeed proud, of the FRANTICS' contribution to BOBBY DARIN'S huge success. If you are a BOBBY DARIN fan, you need to buy this DVD. You will love it. KEVIN SPACEY continues to be one of the great actors, and now directors in the industry, but likely, he is very proud of this movie.Read full review