Spacey’s significantly older than everyone else that’s been tied
to the role of the Cabaret singer over the last few years. From Johnny
Depp to Leonardo DiCaprio, even Bruce Willis (back in the 80’s),
Spacey’s definitely a surprise choice for the role of the
thirty-something music-man. But you know what? Once the Oscar Winning
actor opens his voice and we realise it’s actually him singing –
usually in a musical biopic the actor would open his mouth and begin to
lip-synch to some background tape - he’s more welcome in the part than
butter is on bread. Granted, it's Spacey who got the film off the
ground, so no real surprise to see he has plonked himself in the
driver's seat.
The film's structure has it that Darin is making
a movie about his life. This movie within the movie allows us to meet
him towards the end of that life as he looks back in time. With the aid
of Darin the boy (William Ullrich in his movie debut), the older Darin
looks back on his life – the music, the love of his life (Sandra Dee,
played by Kate Bosworth), the revelation that his sister was actually
his mother, his fall from the top and untimely death at the young age
of 37.
More of a case of a killer soundtrack interwoven with a so-so biopic template than an all-round good picture, Beyond the Sea,
which was written, produced and directed by star Spacey, is a fine
balance between sweet and sour. Whilst the blueprint is the film is so
surprisingly average and unremarkable, Spacey’s performance and
notably, his singing voice, is an absolute charm. Take the man out of
this bio and place him in another on Darin and he’d be a shoe-in for a
statuette.
Though she’s overshadowed by the marvelous Spacey,
beautiful young Kate Bosworth gives a grand performance in the film
too. As Sandra Dee – she not only looks the part, but convincingly has
us believe she’s an innocent 16-year-old bride one minute, and a
27-year-old depressed housewife the next.
If you love music,
you’ll have a great time with the film – but if you’re looking for a
gut-wrenching story, with revelation after revelation about Darin, find
a paperback on the man’s life.
EXTRASThe rather-thin extras package consists of a tolerable but rather
lifeless commentary (Spacey needs a glass of Jolt Cola by the sounds of
him) and an EPK-style making of. Considering the film’s dive at the box
office though, it’s no surprise there wasn’t a lot of bank available to
fatten up the disc’s special features section. Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 50% 
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