"Memories are like moonbeams, we do with them what we want," says Bobby Darin in this energetic biopicture starring Kevin Spacey as the irrepressible singer from the 1950s. In the opening scene, the performer is heading onstage for a tenth anniversary concert. Once he launches into a rousing pop song, the camera pulls back and we realize that Darin is on a film set trying to focus on the major events of his life.
Bobby (William Ullrich) grows up in the Bronx, New York, under the adoring eyes of his mother, Polly (Brenda Blethyn). After he contracts rheumatic fever, the 12 year old beats the death sentence pronounced by a doctor. Polly gives him a reason to live with her passion for music. This former singer tells him that music can transport you to unknown worlds of wonder. They work on routines, and he becomes a confident singer and performer. His dream is to sing in the Copacabana where Frank Sinatra is a regular. The path to this goal is paved with a smash hit among teens, "Splish Splash." But his real love is investing standards such as "Mack the Knife" with his verve and enthusiasm.
Backed by his manager Steve Blauner (John Goodman), musical director Dick Behrke (Peter Cincottti), and brother-in-law Charlie Maffia (Bob Hoskins), Bobby's talents extend into film. He travels to Italy to appear in a movie with Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth). On the set, he falls madly in love with the teen star. Despite the protests of her protective mother, Mary (Greta Scacchi), the two get married. But it all begins to unravel at the seams at the peak of Bobby's success when he is nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Captain Newman M.D. Losing the Oscar, he explodes with a volcanic rage at being denied glory in his wife's world.
The energy that fuels the first half of the film dissipates in the second half when Bobby and Sandra's careers take a plunge along with their marriage. He learns a dark family secret from his sister (Caroline Aaron) that completely unsettles him. Bobby drops out during the 1960s, tries a comeback in Las Vegas, and squares off against some health problems.
Beyond the Sea is directed by Kevin Spacey, and it reflects his love of Bobby Darin as a masterful performer who was never given his due. It is quite amazing to discover that this gifted actor is an accomplished singer as well (and not a bad dancer either). For those who savor the songs that Darin made his own, the moonbeams in this film are sure to bring delight and enchantment.
