Colin and I went to see Damned United on Tuesday night, it was fantastic!
The story of Brian Clough's football career and in particular his stormy relationship with Don Revy and obsession with Leeds United. It is fantastically well acted, with top actors, Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall and Jim Broadbent. It was utterly fascinating and if it is a true story then it staggers me to think that one man allowed such an obsession to rule his life, yet still managed to be an exceptional manager, not just at one club but at several - although sadly not the Damned (Leeds) United club of the title.
His arrogance and ego and complete lack of tact were startling, but also very funny, there was a lot of laughing in the cinema although probably most of it was mine (we went to the very nice new Odeon in Liverpool One, I can definitely recommend it).
When asked by a TV reporter how he felt about being described as the best manager in the First Division, Clough reportedly responded by saying "I am not the best manager in the First Division, but I am in the top one."
Fantastic example of male bonding, I particularly relished the scene where Peter Tayor (Timothy Spall) had Clough (Michael Sheen) grovelling on his knees in apology, to the point where Clough was obliged to say "Take me back baby, I am nothing without you" (or words to that effect).
The only slight disappointment was the poor Teesside accents - but then nobody ever really knows how to do that properly, unless they are actually natives.
4 comments:
The only nice thing I can say about Brian Clough is that he was a socialist.
He may have been a good football manager but he was a foul human being. Try finding a Liverpool fan, or indeed anyone who knows anything about Hillsborough, who would give Clough the time of day and you'll be doing well. Holding Liverpool fans responsible, saying so in his autobiography and on a national chat show and then only apologising when it looked like he was gonna lose money from his magazine contract due to a boycott by Liverpool fans? I'm surprised anyone in this city wants to go and see such a film.
Another reason for the Libs to have a go at me then. I suggest you get it on the front of the next Focus leaflet.
I was not living in Liverpool at the time of Hillsborough, and I was not aware that Brian Clough discussed the tragedy nor that what he said had upset people. And I was not aware that going to see the film would be viewed as controversial in Liverpool. I have not seen any reference to this elsewhere so had not picked this up. I am generally sensitive to that sort of thing, if I am made aware of it. So I am entirely innocent of blame.
And he was a Boro player and I am a Boro fan, so that was an added incentive to going.
Anonymous here are some reasons for watching the damned united, not including the fact he was a boro player and Louise supports boro(well someone has to):
Leeds fans who might want to find out what went on in those 44 days.
Derby fans who might want to find out something about the boardroom shenanigans at derby in the 70's.
Anyone with an interest in the 70's, footballers smoking during training being one fascinating episode, but not just football, just look at the fashions, cars etc.
Film goers who might want to see how actors portray people they know from that time.
It's a free country and if someone wants to watch a film about Brian Clough they can.
I'm sure other readers can come up with other reasons of their own.
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