REVIEW:
The Damned United
“The Damned United” is an expertly crafted film that tells the story of the rise, fall and rise of the legendary manager of Leeds United, Brian Clough.
Few people in soccer have had the effect on the game of soccer as Brian Clough. He was a shameless self-promoter, who sensationally failed at Leeds, only to achieve a spectacular redemption while leading Nottingham Forest.
The movie is important to the soccer fan, because it gives us a look into the soul (a troubled one at that!) of a true soccer visionary. In an era of English football, when thugs, long-balls and negative tactics were the norm, Clough initiated a “beautiful” style of play and helped invent the modern game. He also (and this is an unfortunate legacy) helped create the cult of celebrity of the modern footballer. Clough generated more controversy than John Terry and posed for the camera more than Jose Mourinho.
Clough is played with great humanity and precision by Academy Award-nominated Michael Sheen. Many of you readers may remember Sheen’s performances as Tony Blair in “The Queen” and as David Frost in “Frost/Nixon”. Quite simply, Sheen nails his role as Clough. Sheen gets you to love and loath Clough in equal measure, and demonstrates credible soccer skills of his own. In fact, and we researched this, actor Sheen as a youth was offered a trial at Arsenal after being spotted by the father of Tony Adams.
When a film gets at the heart of soccer with truth and humanity, it deserves a “Highly Recommended” designation from the Pats Film Society. The film is available for rental through Netflix or for sale on Amazon.com.