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A film review by Chris White
THE DAMNED UNITED
Written by Peter Morgan, Directed by Tom Hooper
Before giving us Best Picture THE KING’S SPEECH (2010), Tom Hooper made the glorious, British “football” biopic, THE DAMNED UNITED.
You needn’t know of Leeds United, 1970’s-era English football, or even manager Brian Clough to adore this film. Morgan’s screenplay (based on David Peace’s novel) creates a most compelling triangulation of adult male friendships and rivalries.
Clough (played to perfection by Michael Sheen) adores his dutiful right-hand man, Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall), while despising his rival Don Revie (Colm Meaney). When he takes over for Revie (who leaves Leeds to coach the English national team), Clough’s on-the-field failures lead to a falling out with his friend.
UNITED is a joyride of a sports film. There is the thrill of competition and the agony of defeat, of course...made all the more so by the inner turmoil that drives the talented Clough, who is haunted by father-figures from opposite ends of the spectrum.
Sheen’s performance here could have been just brash and cold, yet it is his portrayal of Clough’s desperation and vulnerability that gives this film a beating heart and a loving soul.
THE DAMNED UNITED is classic Tom Hooper in that way; damnable famous men resized to next-door neighbor scale.
2009 \\ Color \\ 98 min.
Sony Pictures Classics
COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: United Kingdom
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