Review of Beyond the Sea (2004) by Mary B — 04 Sep 2016

People love to hate biopics. When a biopic follows the all-too-familiar well-worn path, people say, "Give me a break. This old crap again?" But when the rare biopic gets wildly creative - as does "Beyond the Sea" - it risks alienating the followers of the very celebrity being portrayed. Lots of people despise "Beyond the Sea" but it works for me. In fact, I admire it more today than when it was released.

Why is this movie scorned? Perhaps it's because at the ripe age of forty-five Keven Spacey has the audacity to portray Bobby Darin at age twenty-five. Also, the fantasy scenes of a ten-year-old Darin having philosophical discussions with the adult Darin probably gives the willies to fans who are only watching the movie to catch the faithful recreations of their beloved "Splish Splash" and "Mack the Knife.".

Even though "Beyond the Sea" breaks new ground for biopics, it is largely ignored. The only earlier biopic I can think of that matches its daring is "All That Jazz" (1979) in which Bob Fosse unflinchingly examines his own career, personal life, and health issues. Three films that owe a debt to "Beyond the Sea" are the guitar-player documentary "It Might Get Loud" (Jack White shares scenes with a young boy dressed in clothes identical to his but gives no explanation of who the boy is and why he's there), "I'm Not There" (many actors of varying age, race, and gender portray Bob Dylan), and "Love and Mercy" (two very different actors play Brian Wilson at various stages of his life.).

Bobby Darin crammed several lifetimes into his brief thirty-seven years. He was a rock-and-roller ("Splish Splash.) He was a jazz-swinger ("Beyond the Sea.") He was a folk singer ("If I Were a Carpenter.") He was a funk-folk-rocker ("Long Line Rider.") Kevin Spacey flawlessly re-creates all these self-reinventions of Darin. And did I say that Spacey has a great voice? If not for this acting thing, Kevin Spacey could have had a music career.

If you believe "Walk the Line," "Ray," "Get On Up," "Miles Ahead," "Born to Be Blue," "The Doors," "The Runaways," and "Lady Sings the Blues" are all the same story, join the club. That's why you must give a chance to "Beyond the Sea." It's refreshing. I defy anyone to watch this film and not have at least a fleeting fantasy of what it must be like to own a Vegas stage ... all decked out in your slicked hair and tailored tux, snappin' your fingers to the big band while your voice nails every note dead-on.

There was only one Bobby Darin. And Kevin Spacey lets us see him anew.