What Is The Damned United (2009) About?
“The Damned United” is a British sports drama film released in 2009, directed by Tom Hooper and based on David Peace’s novel of the same name. The film tells the story of Brian Clough, a renowned English football manager, and his brief but tumultuous tenure as manager of Leeds United Football Club in 1974.
The movie primarily focuses on Clough’s abrasive personality, his intense rivalry with Don Revie (his predecessor at Leeds United), and the challenges he faced in trying to fill Revie’s shoes. It delves into Clough’s management style, his strained relationships with players and staff, and the personal demons that haunted him during his time at the club.
Through flashbacks and narrative devices, the film provides insights into Clough’s earlier successes as a manager with Derby County and his admiration for Revie’s achievements with Leeds United. It also highlights the pressures of professional football management and the toll it can take on individuals and their relationships.
Overall, “The Damned United” is a character-driven drama that offers a compelling portrayal of one of English football’s most iconic figures and a captivating exploration of the complexities of the sport and its personalities.
| Title | The Damned United |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Director | Tom Hooper |
| Based on | Novel by David Peace |
| Main Characters | Brian Clough, Don Revie |
| Genre | Sports Drama |
| Setting | 1974, England |
| Plot | Focuses on Brian Clough’s tumultuous tenure as manager of Leeds United Football Club |
| Themes | Rivalry, Ambition, Leadership, Personal Demons |
| Critical Reception | Generally Positive, praised for performances and portrayal of Clough’s character |
What Is the Plot of the Movie?
After England’s failure to qualify for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, Don Revie, the successful manager of Leeds United, is appointed as England’s manager, while Brian Clough, previously managing Derby County, takes over at Leeds. Clough’s longstanding disdain for Revie’s aggressive style of play stems from a 1968 FA Cup encounter where Revie’s Leeds team ignored him, leading to Derby’s defeat. Despite initially attributing their struggles to Leeds’ brutality on the field, Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor come to realize that their team lacks technical prowess. They address this by bringing in experienced player Dave Mackay and other young talents, much to the concern of Chairman Sam Longson, who feels left out of the decision-making process.
Despite early setbacks, including a heavy defeat to Leeds in their first league encounter, Derby’s fortunes improve. They secure promotion in 1969 and clinch their first League championship in 1972, earning them a shot at the European Cup the following year. However, Clough’s hubris leads to a costly mistake. Against Longson’s advice, he fields his top squad in a match against Leeds before a crucial semi-final against Juventus, resulting in injuries that weaken the team. This decision sparks a public confrontation with Longson and highlights the personal and professional toll of Clough’s determination to triumph over his rival, Revie.
Following Taylor’s heart attack, Clough attempts to secure their positions at Derby by offering their resignations as a protest against the chairman’s refusal to invest in new signings. However, the directors accept their resignations and ban them from the Baseball Ground, leading to protests from fans. Despite hopes of reinstatement, Mackay is appointed as manager instead, and Derby’s fans gradually lose interest. Clough and Taylor then accept job offers from Brighton & Hove Albion after a holiday in Majorca, but their partnership faces a rupture when Clough agrees to take on the managerial role at Leeds, against Taylor’s wishes.
In the present timeline, Clough’s tenure at Leeds begins with tension as he alienates players during training, criticizing their past achievements and implementing unorthodox methods. The season kicks off with a Charity Shield match against Liverpool, marked by a brawl between Bremner and Keegan. Both are sent off, resulting in a loss for Leeds and a suspension for Bremner, further complicating Clough’s tumultuous start as manager and putting the team in danger of relegation.
After Bremner and other players express their grievances to the board, Clough’s contract is terminated by the club after just 44 days, though he negotiates a significant severance package. Clough then agrees to a final interview with Yorkshire Television, where he unexpectedly faces Revie, leading to a confrontation between the two long-standing rivals. Clough accuses Revie of being cold-hearted and dishonest, while Revie criticizes Clough for being inflexible and egocentric. They discuss the 1968 FA Cup incident, with Revie claiming ignorance of Clough’s identity at the time. Following the interview, Clough reconciles with Taylor in Brighton.
In the film’s epilogue, it’s revealed that Revie’s tenure as England manager was unsuccessful, and he subsequently worked abroad due to accusations of financial mismanagement. Clough and Taylor reunite at Nottingham Forest, achieving success similar to their time at Derby by winning promotion to the First Division and securing the league title. Their accomplishments surpass their previous achievements and even Revie’s tenure, as they lead Nottingham Forest to win two consecutive European Cups in 1979 and 1980. The film concludes with the statement: “Brian Clough remains the greatest manager the England team never had.”
Reasons to Watch It
“The Damned United” offers a gripping portrayal of the intense rivalry between football managers Brian Clough and Don Revie, with Michael Sheen’s captivating performance as Clough at the forefront. The film provides insight into the world of football management while delivering emotional depth and historical context, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.
- Riveting Storyline:
- The film offers a captivating narrative based on real-life events surrounding the intense rivalry between two iconic football managers, Brian Clough and Don Revie, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts.
- Stellar Performances:
- Michael Sheen delivers a remarkable performance as Brian Clough, capturing his charisma, ambition, and complexities with nuance. Colm Meaney’s portrayal of Don Revie adds depth to the rivalry, while the supporting cast, including Timothy Spall and Jim Broadbent, further enriches the story.
- Insight into Football Management:
- “The Damned United” provides valuable insights into the world of football management, exploring themes such as leadership, ambition, and the personal sacrifices required for success in the competitive sports industry.
- Emotional Depth:
- Beyond the footballing drama, the film delves into the personal struggles and relationships of the characters, offering emotional depth and resonance that transcends the sport.
- Historical Context:
- Set against the backdrop of English football in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the film offers a glimpse into a pivotal period in the sport’s history, shedding light on the cultural and social dynamics of the time.
Overall, “The Damned United” is a compelling film that combines gripping storytelling, outstanding performances, and rich historical context, making it a rewarding watch for both football fans and cinephiles alike.
What Is the Movie Based on?
“The Damned United” is based on David Peace’s novel of the same name. The novel is a fictionalized account of the real-life events surrounding the tenure of Brian Clough as the manager of Leeds United Football Club in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Is It Critically Panned or Acclaimed?
“The Damned United” received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release. While opinions varied, many critics praised Michael Sheen’s performance as Brian Clough and the film’s portrayal of the intense rivalry between Clough and Don Revie. The film’s direction, screenplay, and historical accuracy were also commended. Overall, it can be considered critically acclaimed, although individual opinions may vary.
| Aspect | Reception |
|---|---|
| Direction | Generally praised for its direction |
| Performance | Michael Sheen’s performance as Brian Clough received acclaim |
| Screenplay | Well-received for its storytelling and dialogue |
| Historical Accuracy | Commended for its portrayal of real-life events |
| Overall | Considered critically acclaimed, with positive reviews |
What Does the Movie Explore?
“The Damned United” explores the intense rivalry between football managers Brian Clough and Don Revie, delving into themes of competition, leadership, and personal relationships. Through their story, the film examines the pursuit of success, integrity in the face of adversity, and the enduring legacies left behind in the world of professional sports.
- Rivalry and Competition:
- At its core, the film delves into the intense rivalry between two iconic football managers, Brian Clough and Don Revie. It explores the competitive nature of sports and the personal stakes involved in professional rivalries.
- Leadership and Ambition:
- Through the characters of Clough and Revie, the film examines different styles of leadership and the ambitious pursuit of success. It highlights the challenges and sacrifices managers make in their quest for greatness.
- Personal Relationships:
- Beyond the footballing drama, “The Damned United” delves into the personal relationships of the characters, including Clough’s partnership with his assistant Peter Taylor and his interactions with players, club officials, and rivals.
- Identity and Integrity:
- The film raises questions about personal identity and integrity, particularly in the face of pressure, criticism, and adversity. It explores how individuals navigate their principles and values in pursuit of their goals.
- Legacy and Redemption:
- Throughout the narrative, the film reflects on the legacies of Clough and Revie, their impact on the footballing world, and their attempts at redemption. It offers insights into the complexities of success, failure, and the enduring nature of reputations.
Memorable Moments in the Movie
One memorable moment in “The Damned United” is the intense confrontation between Brian Clough and Don Revie during a television interview, showcasing their longstanding rivalry. Another impactful scene is Clough’s abrupt termination from Leeds United after just 44 days, followed by his negotiation of a substantial severance package, highlighting the tumultuous nature of his tenure.
- Clough’s Confrontation with Revie:
- The intense face-to-face confrontation between Brian Clough and Don Revie during a television interview provides a climactic moment, showcasing their longstanding rivalry and personal animosity.
- Clough’s First Training Session:
- Clough’s unorthodox and confrontational approach during his first training session with Leeds United, where he challenges the players’ previous achievements and methods, sets the tone for his tumultuous tenure as manager.
- Charity Shield Match:
- The Charity Shield match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium becomes a chaotic spectacle when team captain Billy Bremner gets into a brawl with Kevin Keegan, leading to both players being sent off and an embarrassing defeat for Leeds.
- Clough’s Termination:
- The abrupt termination of Clough’s contract by the club after just 44 days, followed by his negotiation of a substantial severance package, highlights the tumultuous nature of his brief tenure at Leeds United.
- Epilogue:
- The film’s epilogue provides a poignant conclusion, revealing Clough and Taylor’s eventual success at Nottingham Forest, surpassing their achievements at Derby County and overshadowing Revie’s legacy as they lead the club to European Cup glory.
These moments capture the emotional highs and lows, as well as the pivotal events, that define Brian Clough’s journey as a football manager and the legacy he leaves behind.
Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From
“The Damned United” was available for streaming on various platforms. However, availability may vary depending on your region and the agreements between content providers and streaming services. Some platforms where you might find the movie available for streaming include:
| Streaming Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Availability may vary |
| Google Play Movies & TV | Availability may vary |
| YouTube Movies | Availability may vary |
| iTunes/Apple TV | Availability may vary |
| Vudu | Availability may vary |
| Microsoft Store | Availability may vary |
It’s always a good idea to check your preferred streaming platform or use a streaming search engine to see if “The Damned United” is currently available for streaming in your area.
