The Damned United was a controversial book, hardly flattering to the man who, love or hate him, was one of the most fascinating and brilliant managers the English game has ever produced - ol' Big 'Ead himself, Brian Clough.
This film version takes a softer approach to "The Greatest Manager England Never Had", being a warm, affectionate, funny and heart-felt portrayal of Clough and the miserable 44 days he spent as manager of Leeds United during 1974, then one of the best teams in the world and one of the most disliked; often resorting to gamesmanship that brought shame to the sport of football. Clough, according to the film, thought he could tame them, turn them into sporting heroes, winning with flair and style that would win hearts as well as trophies.
Also covered extensively is Clough and Peter Taylor's time at Derby,contrasting his success from 1968-1972, building a third-rate team into the champions of English football, with his failure at Leeds. Taylor, Clough's longtime assistant manager, is superbly portrayed by Timothy Spall as the heartbeat that guided Clough's genius to unprecedented success, only to stay loyal to Brighton after the duo's resignation at Derby, leaving Clough a lonely and desolate figure as he tries to impose his own stamp on Leeds.
The football scenes are very brief, mostly using real footage from that era, as the film is mainly about the relationship of the two men and Clough's long-time rivalry with Don Revie, the hugely successful Leeds manager departing to manage England. Michael Sheen gives an astonishing performance as Clough, capturing the man effortlessly without resorting to an over-egged impersonation. Colm Meaney is also brilliant as Revie, his brooding shadow looming over everything Clough tries to do. A hat trick of great acting performances, and mention must also be given to Jim Broadbent as Derby's incredulous chairman.
An engaging, entertaining and highly recommended drama. British cinema is alive and well when it can deliver movies as good as this.
This film version takes a softer approach to "The Greatest Manager England Never Had", being a warm, affectionate, funny and heart-felt portrayal of Clough and the miserable 44 days he spent as manager of Leeds United during 1974, then one of the best teams in the world and one of the most disliked; often resorting to gamesmanship that brought shame to the sport of football. Clough, according to the film, thought he could tame them, turn them into sporting heroes, winning with flair and style that would win hearts as well as trophies.
Also covered extensively is Clough and Peter Taylor's time at Derby,contrasting his success from 1968-1972, building a third-rate team into the champions of English football, with his failure at Leeds. Taylor, Clough's longtime assistant manager, is superbly portrayed by Timothy Spall as the heartbeat that guided Clough's genius to unprecedented success, only to stay loyal to Brighton after the duo's resignation at Derby, leaving Clough a lonely and desolate figure as he tries to impose his own stamp on Leeds.
The football scenes are very brief, mostly using real footage from that era, as the film is mainly about the relationship of the two men and Clough's long-time rivalry with Don Revie, the hugely successful Leeds manager departing to manage England. Michael Sheen gives an astonishing performance as Clough, capturing the man effortlessly without resorting to an over-egged impersonation. Colm Meaney is also brilliant as Revie, his brooding shadow looming over everything Clough tries to do. A hat trick of great acting performances, and mention must also be given to Jim Broadbent as Derby's incredulous chairman.
An engaging, entertaining and highly recommended drama. British cinema is alive and well when it can deliver movies as good as this.