Beyond The Sea film review

certificate_12A

BEYOND THE SEA

It hasn't been one of Kevin Spacey's better years. It began with him being reportedly attacked while walking his dog in a London park. That was followed with the almost universal panning of his production of Cloaca, his first as the artistic director of the Old Vic. And now there's Beyond The Sea. The biopic of singer Bobby Darin has Spacey assuming the title role and directorial duties so it's not as though he has anyone else to blame. The woeful writing hasn't done him any favours though.

In the right role, Spacey is a truly brilliant actor. Unfortunately his portrayal of the ill-fated crooner isn't one of them. It's not as though he can't sing. He proves it here. It's the obvious pleasure he takes in playing a lounge singer that probably lured him to the job. But in the way karaoke is primarily for the enjoyment of the performer, watching Spacey working his way through Darin's material is less fun for the audience than it clearly is for Spacey.

Released at the same time as Ray, Beyond The Sea - taken from the title of one of Darin's biggest hits - is bound to draw comparisons with the far superior biopic of soul singer Ray Charles. One advantage Ray has is the music. With the best will in the world, Splish Splash is not exactly on a par with I Gotta Woman. With the music being such a major element, only true Darin fans will be excited at the prospect of two hours of the stuff. The second, and perhaps even greater advantage is the performances of the two leading actors. Where Foxx looks, sounds and becomes Ray Charles, Spacey never appears as anything other than an imposter, and an unpersuasive one at that.

Spacey's sexual persuasion aside, his scenes with Kate Bosworth as Darin's wife Sandra Dee are as uncomfortable to watch as they are unconvincing. Added to which the actor looks too old to play the teen idol. The caked on make-up only makes matters worse.