The Damned United was a story about Brian Clough, a football manager who grew from a working class background to become a conqueror of Europe. He was a man who is widely regarded as one of the greatest English managers of all time, if not the greatest.
A controversial personality both on and off the pitch often provoked numerous rebuffs from opposing professionals who looked upon Clough as a clown. But, the simple fact is, he was a charismatic motivator, a man who knew and loved football enjoyed every second he was a part of it. He may have offended people along the way but did so with style and pizzazz.
Clough Philosophy
Clough felt the game should be played properly with a passing game (an issue widely addressed in the contemporary game by Arsene Wenger) over brute physicality. He was a football purist and his team always reflected his nature and beliefs with neat passing play closely followed up by a phenomenal work ethic.
However, with all these potential avenues into Clough’s demeanor The Damned United fixates on issues which should merely be addressed. Instead of a conventional biopic, which you would expect to see, the film concentrates on Clough’s 44 day stint at Leeds United where he took over from fierce rival Don Revie.
Revie Rivalry
Revie had taken the England manager’s role ahead of Clough just weeks earlier (much to the disgruntlement of many football fanatics even today) and to the bemusement of many Clough filled the vacant role at a team he had despised for their representation on the pitch.
Leeds United were regarded as butchers on the field and were often caught hauling down players with scything two footed challenges but they were rarely punished properly much to the annoyance of Clough. He moved to Elland Road to change the manner of their nature but was met by a group of stars loyal to Revie, a factor which would lead to his demise at the club.
The Damned United
The film itself featured numerous flashbacks from his previous achievements at Derby County but it fails to identify Clough’s post Leeds success with East Midlands side Nottingham Forest where he went on to win the much coveted European Cup. On the contrary, the lacklustre script often falls short of the high standards expected in pre-production and focuses too much on the relationship between Clough and his assistant manager Peter Taylor.
Clough and Taylor were widely regarded as being successful as a pairing with neither fairing well on their own. Their relationship, although futile on occasions, was arguably a fundamental factor in the success they shared but the director, Tom Hooper, turns the friendship into an almost homosexual tiding.
And, despite the reputable performances from Michael Sheen (Clough) and Timothy Spall (Taylor) the bonding which is promoted in the film between the two characters borders on the extremities and isn’t helped by Sheen’s camp essence reminiscent of when he portrayed Kenneth Williams in a biopic some years earlier.
Supporting Roles
Colm Meaney (Revie) and Jim Broadbent provide more than effective supporting roles in the film which keep the acting standard of the film at a very high quality but the film fights with its hands tied given the narrowed format of the narrative.
Nevertheless, the story was always going to be interesting given the fact it was based on someone as iconic as Clough and for that very reason there are some exciting moments in the film. The 1970’s nostalgia comes rushing back to those old enough to remember such times courtesy of some creditable archive delving which produces an array of historic football moments including the infamous Kevin Keegan punch up during a Charity Shield match.
In addition, the comical wit of Clough’s persona is evidently portrayed extremely well by Sheen with some good one liners adding to a somewhat witty sense of humour. But despite this the failure to characterise his presence in the dressing room and amongst his players proves to a hindrance to the movie.
On conclusion, the Damned United is an average film at best. It’s definitely worth a watch for anyone who wants to see what the enigmatic Clough was like but you can’t help but assume changes which could and should have occurred during production. The films finale leaves you feeling less informed on Clough having entered the story with so much excitement, eager to learn about his character.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Robert Brady - Robert graduated from the University of Derby in 2009 having studied 'Film and Television with Media Writing' over a four year ...
