The Damned United: a tale of two sides

When you have a film adapted on the controversial David Peace book – The Damned United – and scripted by Peter Morgan – who previously filmed The Queen – you would probably be right in anticipating one of the most endearing films to be released this year. And, not to mention a cast that includes the talents of Michael Sheen, who is very quickly establishing himself as one of the most talented actors to come out of Britain in recent times. 

The film tells the story of successful British football manager Brian Clough and his 44 day spell at Leeds United in 1974 – who at the time were the country’s best team. Attempting to repeat the astonishing success he achieved whilst at Derby County, Clough took over Leeds United with a desire to improve the team and better the success achieved under previous manager Don Revie.

The Damned United displays many sides to Clough throughout; most notably his bitter obsession to better Revie’s success during his short stint at Leeds Utd. Sheen’s impressive performance captures Clough’s facial mannerisms and vocal inflection to very good effect. In fact, playing such influential characters is becoming quite common for Sheen; boasting a repertoire that already includes the portrayal of individuals such as David Frost in Frost/Nixon and Tony Blair in The Queen.

Whilst proving a very entertaining film, the debate as to whether the film is based on fact or fiction still remains; with the accuracy of many of the facts contained throughout being strongly challenged by Clough’s family.