The Damned United

Release Date: Out Now
Stars : Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Jim Broadbent
Director: Tom Hooper
Production Company: Columbia/ BBC Films

Screenplay: Peter Morgan
Running Time: 95 Mins

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

The film tells the story of the ill-fated 44 days that controversial football manager Brian Clough spent at Leeds United in 1974.

Verdict

After writer Peter Morgan's studies on famous people with Tony Blair in “The Queen” and David Frost in “FROST/NIXON”, he now turns his attention to football manager Brian Clough - the outspoken and successful manager of Derby County and Nottingham Forest during the 60’s and 70’s.

Clough’s brief tenure as manager of England’s top team, Leeds United, is treated to a warts and all examination in this film. The main reason for seeing the film is another splendid portrayal by the wonderful Michael Sheen. The film is never less than interesting, as it lays bare the boardroom shenanigans and internecine warfare between players and manager-as well as the main thrust of the narrative, Clough’s ongoing feud with ex Leeds manager, Don Revie.

“The Damned United” may not be everyones cup of tea (women take note) and does not have the resonance of Peter Morgan’s previous works, but it is still an insightful and revealing look at one of British sports most successful and controversial figures.