Review: The Damned United – a film for all Football fans
The call came in at 5pm. My good friend Dave had managed to blag two tickets to the premier of The Damned United in Leicester Square. So with some unusual apprehension and help from another friend I decided to go. After the infamous walk on the red carpet, which is quite daunting for a complete nobody, and an introduction to some of the cast and crew from the delightful Gabby Logan we finally got the chance to see the film.
I’ll try not to give the plot away too much, but for those of you that have read the book I assure you the film is not as dark. It has its moments and even as a die-hard Forest fan you find yourself clenching fists and feeling pleased about a Derby victory. Dirty I know but the film makes you do this. Michael Sheen’s portrayal of Brian Clough is brilliant, the rye smiles, and cocky confident nature, oozing confidence yet allowing some vulnerability through giving the character depth.
The film is set in the middle of them turbulent 44 days, sighting flash backs to the events previous. Derby’s rise the fall out with the chairman, Clough’s relationship with Taylor and his hatred for ‘Uncle Don’.
One can’t comment on the accuracies of the film, but I did enjoy the reunion of Clough and Taylor at Brighton – a poignant moment, which was made all the more humorous with Timothy Spall’s glee in his eye. I can’t comment on Taylor’s character as I no very little about the man, but from a personal point of view I think Timothy brought it off perfectly.
It’s difficult to write a review without giving much away, all I’d say it’s a must-watch for all football fans especially those who have an affiliation for the clubs touched by Brian Clough and Peter Taylor and although the film senses more of a defeat and lessons learned by the great man, you wont be disappointed with the ending!
Enjoy.
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SORRY.. FOREST FANS ARE FOLLOWING THE CLOUGH FAMILLY AND BOYCOTTING IT !!!
Alan you are perfectly entitled to your opinion as are the Clough Family which I respect. However I know many forest fans waiting to see it, as they are perfectly open to make their own decision.
So no, not all Forest fans are boycotting it because of what the Clough family have said.
In any case it’s a cracking film and Forest fans will be pleased with it in my opinion. Remember the Clough family take a more personal view of the film and book which is perfectly acceptable.
That’s a load of rubbish about Forest fans boycotting the film because the Clough family spoke out about the book.
Many Forest fans are going to see the film, along with numerous other FOOTBALL fans.
This is a football film, and seemingly, a good one at that.
From the clips I’ve seen, Sheen portrays Clough very well, and what you have to remember is that the book is FICTION (oh God, I’m resorting to capital letters!)
David Peace has never claimed the book to be a true account of what happens and I don’t think enough people realise that.
I’m definitely going to see it.
the only forest supporters who will go to see the film “the damned United” will be those who have not read the book
Hmm, I’ve read the book – didn’t particularly recognise the character Peace created – although it was a reasonable piece of fiction.
I’m a Forest supporter.
I will go and see the film though, whilst understanding why others will not – because opinions should always be formed from a position of knowledge, not ignorance.
It’s not an ipso facto show of support for the film, just a curiosity to see how a character I very much admire is portrayed on the screen. Sheen himself has suggested the picture is more sympathetic to Brian Clough’s character than Peace’s novel is.
I will judge for myself.