By Thomas Broome-Jones
"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the country. But I'm in the top one."
It must be said, football isn't for everyone, that's just a fact. As much as fans
of the beautiful game like to think that everyone loves it, there are
those who don't. Personally, I'm a big fan of football but I'm sure
those who have watched this film will agree with me that you don't have
to enjoy football to enjoy this film. It's much more than a sports
drama, this is a human drama with themes of redemption, obsession and
man's lust for competition.
The Damned United retells a semi-fictional version of events surrounding and leading up to the late Brian Clough's ill-fated spell as the manager for Leeds United. His tenure lasted only 44 days after he drove one of the most dominant clubs in English football into the ground, blinded by his own ego and determination to carve out a legacy to make his name synonymous with the club. Clough is played scarily well by one of my favourite British actors, Michael Sheen. The Welshman almost effortlessly recreates Clough's Middlesborough twang and carries the character with just the right balance of swagger, charm and cynicism to create a highly compelling performance.
Backing Sheen up is the ever-welcome acting chops of Timothy Spall, the veteran actor plays Peter Taylor, Clough's assistant manager, talent scout and personal friend. As Clough's world seemingly falls down around him, Spall's portrayal of Taylor accurately reflects the frustration of an unsung hero. His ability to spot exceptional players to improve the squad goes unnoticed as Clough is showered with praise. Such frustration is only natural and it is visibly evident in Taylor's apathy towards Brian as the film progresses.
The rest of the cast is fleshed out with some wonderful talent, notably Jim Broadbent, who, despite having won an Oscar not too long ago still appears in smaller British productions, bringing his irresistible charm and likability to every role he plays. The cast make a very solid script come to life as the rise and fall of Clough plays out over the course of the narrative, in which flashbacks providing essential character back stories aid the viewer in engaging with the plot. The on-screen chemistry of the cast is outstanding, all of their interactions with one another are natural and organic, making their arcs feel developed and wholesome, even for some of the smaller roles.
Director Tom Hooper, who would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Director two years later for The King's Speech, crafted a very simple story here but told it so brilliantly that the simplicity doesn't matter. At times it may be a task for the viewer to engage with the psychological pathos of Clough and his actions, but it all comes full circle in a lovely ending, the whole thing feels distinctly British.
My only criticism is of Clough himself, as strong as Sheen was it was hard to like or bond with the character. By the time the film ends he has truly found redemption, but at times I did start to wonder why I was supposed to care for him at all. But this is only a minor problem as it is more than resolved in the underplayed finale which really proves that less is more.
Overall, a great watch and a really strong platform for a truly talented man in Michael Sheen to showcase his abilities. Biopics are always about the acting and Sheen hit it out of the park with this one in a performance that I do truly believe should have received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Looking at the nominees from that year's ceremony there are definitely a couple that could have been swapped out for this one. I think this film can appeal to both fans of football and non-fans alike, it has universally accessible themes, blistering performances and a warm center. The Damned United is damn good.
The Damned United retells a semi-fictional version of events surrounding and leading up to the late Brian Clough's ill-fated spell as the manager for Leeds United. His tenure lasted only 44 days after he drove one of the most dominant clubs in English football into the ground, blinded by his own ego and determination to carve out a legacy to make his name synonymous with the club. Clough is played scarily well by one of my favourite British actors, Michael Sheen. The Welshman almost effortlessly recreates Clough's Middlesborough twang and carries the character with just the right balance of swagger, charm and cynicism to create a highly compelling performance.
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| Tony Blair's post Prime Ministerial career got him more in touch with "common folk". |
Backing Sheen up is the ever-welcome acting chops of Timothy Spall, the veteran actor plays Peter Taylor, Clough's assistant manager, talent scout and personal friend. As Clough's world seemingly falls down around him, Spall's portrayal of Taylor accurately reflects the frustration of an unsung hero. His ability to spot exceptional players to improve the squad goes unnoticed as Clough is showered with praise. Such frustration is only natural and it is visibly evident in Taylor's apathy towards Brian as the film progresses.
The rest of the cast is fleshed out with some wonderful talent, notably Jim Broadbent, who, despite having won an Oscar not too long ago still appears in smaller British productions, bringing his irresistible charm and likability to every role he plays. The cast make a very solid script come to life as the rise and fall of Clough plays out over the course of the narrative, in which flashbacks providing essential character back stories aid the viewer in engaging with the plot. The on-screen chemistry of the cast is outstanding, all of their interactions with one another are natural and organic, making their arcs feel developed and wholesome, even for some of the smaller roles.
Director Tom Hooper, who would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Director two years later for The King's Speech, crafted a very simple story here but told it so brilliantly that the simplicity doesn't matter. At times it may be a task for the viewer to engage with the psychological pathos of Clough and his actions, but it all comes full circle in a lovely ending, the whole thing feels distinctly British.
My only criticism is of Clough himself, as strong as Sheen was it was hard to like or bond with the character. By the time the film ends he has truly found redemption, but at times I did start to wonder why I was supposed to care for him at all. But this is only a minor problem as it is more than resolved in the underplayed finale which really proves that less is more.
Overall, a great watch and a really strong platform for a truly talented man in Michael Sheen to showcase his abilities. Biopics are always about the acting and Sheen hit it out of the park with this one in a performance that I do truly believe should have received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Looking at the nominees from that year's ceremony there are definitely a couple that could have been swapped out for this one. I think this film can appeal to both fans of football and non-fans alike, it has universally accessible themes, blistering performances and a warm center. The Damned United is damn good.
Thomas Broome-Jones is on Twitter, you can follow him @TBroomey.
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