Review of The Damned United (2009) by Jason Y — 06 Dec 2009
Michael Sheen has done a fine job as Tony Blair, and received rave reviews for his David Frost, but his performance as Brian Clough in this terrific film is brilliant. He dominates from start to finish, but almost as an anti-hero rather than a more traditional protagonist. He absolutely nails the complexities and contradictions in Brian Clough, making him at times self-destructive, arrogant, isolated and vulnerable, cruel, charming and funny.
The concentration on his ill-fated 44 days as manager of the reigning league champions is even more resonant for those of us who know what happened next: similarly to his triumphs at Derby County, he next went to Nottingham Forest, and turned them into European Champions.
But it's not all the Michael Sheen show. Jim Broadbent, Stephen Graham, Timothy Spall and Colm Meaney are all fantastic in their supporting roles.
Oh, and the DVD extras are pretty great too.
This review of The Damned United (2009) was written by Jason Y on 06 Dec 2009.
The Damned United has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
