Beyond the Sea (2004 film)

Beyond the Sea
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKevin Spacey
Written by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyEduardo Serra
Edited byTrevor Waite
Music byBobby Darin
Production
company
Distributed byLions Gate Films
Release date
  • December 17, 2004 (2004-12-17)
Running time
118 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$25 million
Box office$8.4 million

Beyond the Sea is a 2004 American biographical 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 song of the same title.

Beyond the Sea depicts Darin's rise to success in both the music and film industry during the 1950s and 1960s as well as his marriage to Sandra Dee, portrayed by Kate Bosworth.

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.

Filming for Beyond the Sea took place from November 2003 to January 2004. It 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 because of his decision to use his own singing voice. He received a Golden Globe nomination.