Summary
The Damned United (Cert 15, 93 mins) What's it about? Based on David Peace's controversial book, The Damned United chronicles the 44-day reign of Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) at Leeds United during the 1974-75 football season. The film opens in July '74 with Brian and his two boys, Simon and Nigel, travelling to West Yorkshire to succeed Don Revie (Colm Meaney) as manager of the Division One champions. An impromptu TV interview sees Brian criticise Revie's tactics, riling senior squad members Billy Bremner (Stephen Graham), Johnny Giles (Peter McDonald) and Norman Hunter (Mark Cameron). Flashbacks to six years earlier reveal the seeds of Brian's dislike of Revie as he and loyal assistant Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall) take Derby from the foot of Division Two to the Division One title. The Damned United is an enthralling valentine to the Nottingham Forest legend, which shoots and scores on many levels.
Is it any good? Steeped in nostalgia and blessed with an endearing performance from Welsh chameleon Sheen as the 'greatest England manager we never had', Tom Hooper's film is a largely affectionate tribute to a man who wears egotistical bravado like an old jumper. Peter Morgan's script elegantly navigates the time frames, providing us with background to the rivalry that drives Brian to the brink of self-destruction. Sheen's rapport with Spall galvanises the picture, with an amusing emotional payoff.See the full content of this document
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