Review of The Damned United (2009) by Theta S — 15 Apr 2011
The year is 1974 and Leeds United have a vacancy for the manager's job after Don Revie becomes the new England manager. Their choice - Bryan Clough, former manager of Derby County.
This film charts Clough's colourful career in football management from Derby's fateful FA Cup match against Leeds in 1968, his rivalry and obsession with Don Revie, his fall from grace at Derby County and his ill fated 41 day tenure as manager of Leeds United.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
=============================================================.
This colourful film was directed by Tom Hooper, who went on to direct a little film called "The King's Speech" and a great job he makes of it too. He takes this dark tale of rivalry and obsession and, along with scriptwriter Peter Morgan, injects some humour and warmth into the film.
This couldn't be done though without the charismatic performance by Michael Sheen as Clough. For those who saw Brian Clough's on pitch and media persona when he was alive, they can see that Sheen's performance is note perfect with all of Clough's bravado, razzamatazz and showmanship translating on to the screen.
On the flipside, Sheen also portrays the flipside of Clough's supposed character flaws of rivalry, obsession and ambition in equal and sympathetic measure.
His main co-lead in the film is Timothy Spall in the role of Peter Taylor, Clough's assistant manager. There is a comedic and dramatic timing between Sheen and Spall which borders on the phrase "bromance". The characters share the highs and lows of their successes and failures, and whilst they admire one another's skills, they are also shown to have disagreements with each other - specifically when Clough hands in their joint resignation at Derby County and when Clough leaves Taylor in the lurch by breaking an agreement with another club to manage Leeds on his own.
Additional main supporting cast include Colm Meaney delivering a dignified performance in the role of Don Revie and Jim Broadbent in the role of Sam Longson, Derby County's chairman who doesn't appreciate Clough going over his head to sign players.
Whether you understand the English football system or not, The Damned United is an entertaining study of ambition, obsession and friendship.
This review of The Damned United (2009) was written by Theta S on 15 Apr 2011.
The Damned United has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
