- Film Review
- Reviewed By Adam Smith
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3 out of 5
This is very much a labour of love for Kevin Spacey, who, as well as taking the all-singing, all-dancing lead, co-wrote and directed this biopic of crooner Bobby Darin. It charts the singer's astonishing life from an illness-ridden childhood (he was told he wouldn't survive adolescence) to his death at the tragically young age of 37, taking in Darin's recording triumphs, marriage to Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth), success in Vegas and Hollywood and a career-damaging flirtation with Vietnam-era protest songs. Spacey is outstanding as Darin, delivering a note-perfect re-creation of the singer's style and hoofing his way through the dance numbers with aplomb. But the film's structure - a strange blend of flashbacks and fantasy heavily influenced by Fellini's 8½, which makes it unclear as to whether Darin is actually dead - will prove too odd for some viewers.
Plot Summary
Musical biographical drama that charts the life of singer Bobby Darin, directed by and starring Kevin Spacey. After surviving a life-threatening childhood illness, young Walden Robert Cassotto changes his name to Bobby Darin and sets out to achieve his dream of becoming an international star. Through relentless drive and ambition, he reaches the top of his profession and it seems that nothing can go wrong.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Bobby Darin
- Kevin Spacey
- Sandra Dee
- Kate Bosworth
- Steve Blauner
- John Goodman
- Charlie Cassotto Maffia
- Bob Hoskins
- Polly Cassotto
- Brenda Blethyn
- Mary Duvan
- Greta Scacchi
- Nina Cassotto Maffia
- Caroline Aaron
- Dick Behrke
- Peter Cincotti
- Little Bobby
- William Ullrich
- Dr Andretti
- Michael Byrne
Crew
- Director
- Kevin Spacey
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