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.