Michael Sheen played Tony Blair in The Queen, David Frost in Frost/Nixon and just to keep things interesting he shined as Lucian, the pissed off vampire, in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. The man simply is an extraordinary actor and The Damned United gives him the vehicle to shine even further.

In a nutshell

Brian Clough starts off managing a small football club, Derby, that he builds into formidable team. Soon they face Leeds United and Brian goes to great lengths to entertain both them and the couch Don Revie. Revie however snubs Brian by a) not greeting him and b) not joining him for a glass of red wine after the match. The feud starts and Brian is hell-bent on taking over Manchester United one day.

Mood of the film

The Damned United is a funny, hugely entertaining film with some serious ‘art’ credentials. It contains some of the most beautifully framed cinematography I have seen in years, caricatures sometimes reminiscent of Australian filmmaking (Strictly Ballroom) and incredible performances by actors you might not know by name but will recognize immediately as stalwarts of English cinema.

Best one liner

The script is a collection of best one-liners. There is one monologue that stands out. Brian’s first few matches as the Leeds coach are disastrous. He is questioned about whether his interests lie with managing the team or settling the score with Revie.

“Of course it’s just about me and Don. Always has been. But instead of putting frowns on your foreheads, all you elders of Leeds in your blazers and your brass-fucking-buttons, it should put big white Colgate smiles on your big white faces. Because it means I won’t eat, and won’t sleep until I’ve taken whatever that man’s achieved, and beaten it. Beaten it so I never have to hear the name Don fucking Revie again. “

Best scene

The opening television interview with Brian Clough.

Best performance

Michael Sheen, Michael Sheen, Michael Sheen, Michael Sheen, Michael Sheen, Michael Sheen.

What makes the film relevant today?

It deals with issues such as revenge, eating some humble pie and the value of friendship and forgiveness.

Rotten Tomatoes Score

94%

My Score

95%

Youtube Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-V7iHkrtW8

Boring details

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min

Starring: Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, Jim Broadbent

Director: Tom Hooper

Theatrical Release: Oct 9, 2009 Wide