Beyond the Sea (DVD, 2005)

"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.