The Damned United depicts the story behind Brian Cloughs 44 day reign (or lack of) at Leeds United in 1974, as well as showing how he got to manage the club, with a story from 1968 – 1974. With Michael Sheen as Brian Clough and screenplay by Peter Morgan it also shows the relationship he had with Peter Taylor who helped him by scouting some of the best players he ever signed.
The Damned United – Movie Review
There is very little in the way of live action, which is usually filmed poorly with a few notable exceptions. Instead most of the key scenes are build ups, pre FA Cup matches (mainly against Leeds), Pre-UEFA Cup ties (Juventus). The retro scenes are well filmed – I was constantly looking out for continuity problems, i.e. satellite dishes on houses etc. but it could easily have been filmed in 1974.
The film could easily have been titled “Brian Cloughs EGO” as that issue is one of the main storylines. Clough was a master of football management, hiring great players, including Roy Keane at his time in Notts Forrest, however, Cloughs family have apparently discredited the movie (not sure if this is true) as the film is quite favourable – less so for Billy Bremner who is painted as quite a villan of the soccer world in 1974.
Very enjoyable as a film and one of the best soccer films in ages. There are some wonderful one liners and great quotes which only Mr. Clough could utter. You Don’t need to be a soccer fan to go see this film – that cannot eb stressed enough. This is a story about ambition, ego, a man with a desire to succeed at all costs … and then soccer.
Running Time : The movie is 90 mins with 7 mins of injury time.
