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The Damned United: A Story of Triumph and Defeat
Every once in a while, a movie comes along that leaves you feeling invigorated and inspired. The Damned United is not that kind of movie. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s a story of one man’s unrelenting ambition and the consequences that come with it.
A Brief Synopsis
The film follows Brian Clough, a brash and outspoken football manager who has just been appointed as the head coach of Leeds United – one of the most successful clubs in English football history. However, Clough’s tenure at Leeds is short-lived, lasting only 44 tumultuous days before he is unceremoniously sacked.
But instead of focusing solely on Clough’s tenure at Leeds, The Damned United also explores his past – specifically his time as the manager of Derby County. The film jumps back and forth between the two timelines, showcasing both Clough’s successes and failures.
The Casts and Their Performances
Michael Sheen gives an electrifying performance as Brian Clough. He perfectly captures Clough’s bravado and charisma, while also highlighting his insecurities and vulnerabilities. In many ways, Sheen is the heart and soul of the film.
Other notable performances include Timothy Spall as Clough’s loyal assistant Peter Taylor, Colm Meaney as Leeds United manager Don Revie, and Jim Broadbent as Derby County chairman Sam Longson.
The History Behind the Film
The film is based on David Peace’s novel The Damned Utd, which itself is a fictional interpretation of real events. Many of the characters in the film are based on real-life football personalities – Brian Clough, Don Revie, and Peter Taylor chief among them.
Clough himself was a larger-than-life figure in British football. He managed several clubs throughout his career – including Derby County, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds United – and won numerous trophies along the way. However, he was also known for his controversial opinions and abrasive personality.
The Soundtrack
The film’s score was composed by Rob Lane, who does an excellent job of capturing both the highs and lows of Clough’s journey. The soundtrack features sweeping orchestral pieces as well as more intimate tracks that emphasize the emotional weight of certain scenes.
My Thoughts on The Damned United
Now, I’ll be honest – I didn’t initially have high hopes for this film. I’m not a huge fan of sports movies in general, and the fact that it was focused on soccer (or football, if you prefer) didn’t exactly pique my interest.
But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Yes, it’s a bleak and at times downright depressing story. But there’s also a sense of catharsis that comes from watching Clough struggle and ultimately fail. It’s a reminder that even the most successful people can fall from grace.
The Cinematography and Editing
The film’s director Tom Hooper (who would later go on to win an Oscar for The King’s Speech) does an excellent job of using different visual techniques to differentiate between the two timelines. The 1970s scenes are shot with a grainy, washed-out look, while the 1960s scenes are more vibrant and colorful.
The editing is also top-notch – there are several montages throughout the film that perfectly capture Clough’s rise to fame as well as his downfall.
The Dialogue and Script
David Peace’s script is sharp and biting, particularly in the scenes where Clough is going head-to-head with his opponents. There’s a palpable sense of tension and conflict in these moments that make them all the more memorable.
The dialogue is also excellent, with Sheen delivering some truly memorable quotes. One of my favorites comes from a scene where Clough is being interviewed by the media:
“I wouldn’t say I’m the best manager in the business, but I’m in the top one.”
The Film’s Reception
Despite receiving mostly positive reviews from critics, The Damned United was not a commercial success. It only grossed $4 million at the box office – a disappointing result for such a well-regarded film.
However, its cult following has grown in the years since its release. It’s become something of a beloved underdog story – much like Clough himself.
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Damned United is not an uplifting movie by any means. But it’s still an incredibly compelling and well-crafted film that deserves to be seen by more people.
The performances are excellent across the board, with Michael Sheen giving one of his best performances to date as Brian Clough. The script crackles with wit and energy, and Tom Hooper’s direction is top-notch.
So if you’re in the mood for a sports movie that doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of fame and ambition, give The Damned United a chance. You might be surprised by how much it resonates with you.