Tagline: In the era of cool, he was the soundtrack.
Beyond the Sea movie storyline. 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 his own story, in his last great performance. Making music is more to me than a pleasure, ’cause me and music we go together like notes in a measure. As long as I’m singing, then the world’s all right and everything’s swingin’ long as I’m singing my song. — “As Long As I’m Singing,” Bobby Darin
From the age of seven, Walden Robert Cassotto — Little Bobby (William Ullrich) — knows the odds are stacked against him. Rheumatic fever has permanently damaged his heart, and he’s not expected to make it to age fifteen. Bobby’s family — his mother Polly (Brenda Blethyn), his older sister NINA (Caroline Aaron) and Nina’s husband Charlie (Bob Hoskins) — pour all their energies into caring for him.
Bobby’s frail heart may be one truth, but Polly, a former singer, introduces her boy to another wonderful truth: music. Music becomes Bobby’s bargaining chip against time; he’s not only singing, but also playing piano, drums and guitar before he even hits his teens. Music takes him into a world beyond the Bronx, and beyond sickness. It’s a world of effortlessly swinging songs, and couples dancing to the lilt of Bobby’s voice. Bobby has a plan, and no heart ailment will stop him.
By 20, Bobby is working the nightclub circuit, accompanied by a protective team that includes Charlie, Bobby’s best friend and manager Steve Blauner (John Goodman) and musical director Dick Behrke (Peter Cincotti). Audiences don’t always respond, but rejection only strengthens Bobby, making him even cockier and more confident. He signs a record deal, but his first handful of singles flop. With his career on the line, Bobby writes a song in 20 minutes and records it. “Splish Splash” is a sensation, and Bobby Darin becomes America’s teen idol.
Beyond the Sea is a 2004 American musical drama film based on the life of singer/actor Bobby Darin. Starring in the lead role and using his own singing voice for the musical numbers, Kevin Spacey co-wrote, directed, and co-produced the film, which takes its title from Darin’s hit version of the song of the same name.
As early as 1986, Barry Levinson intended to direct a film based on the life of Darin, and he began pre-production on the project in early 1997. When he eventually vacated the director’s position, Spacey, along with Darin’s son Dodd, acquired the film rights.
Beyond the Sea was released in December 2004 to mixed reviews from critics and bombed at the box office. Dodd Darin, Sandra Dee and former Darin manager Steve Blauner responded with enthusiastic feedback to Spacey’s work on the film. Despite a number of negative reviews, some critics praised Spacey’s performance, largely due to his decision to use his own singing voice. He received a Golden Globe nomination.
Beyond the Sea (2004)
Directed by: Kevin Spacey
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, John Goodman, Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, Greta Scacchi, Caroline Aaron, Peter Cincotti, Michael Byrne, Tayfun Bademsoy
Screenplay by: Paul Attanasio, Lorenzo Carcaterra, Jeffery Meek
Production Design by: Andrew Laws
Cinematography by: Eduardo Serra
Film Editing by: Trevor Waite
Costume Design by: Ruth Myers
Set Decoration by: Marina Morris
Art Direction by: Andreas Olshausen, James F. Truesdale
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for strong language, a scene of sensuality.
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Release Date: December 17, 2004
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