The Damned United
The Damned United is a dandy little sports film set in the late sixties and early 70’s. Michael Sheen with his chameleon like talent puts in another stellar personification, this time of iconic soccer manager Brian Clough whose modest greatness could have been exponentially more glorious if it were not for his stubborn need for revenge. Ironically it was the quest for vengeance that inspired him to great feats in English soccer. Early in his career Clough felt he was snubbed by his rival, the much revered Don Revie (Colm Meaney) coach of the mighty Leeds United and Clough swore he would some day bring Revie down. Along with his assistant manager Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall, perfectly cast except for the age) they made a going concern of the severely underdogged Darby FC which lead to Cough’s taking over the reins at Leeds FC. However his continued lust for vindication proved very costly. Probably more of a legend in Britain than anywhere else, his is still a compelling story if only for his brash statements to the media about his opposition that were reminiscent of a young Muhammed Ali. As a matter of fact just when that feeling is strongest they run an actual clip of Ali in his prime demanding that Clough cut it out.