Damned United, The

The Damned United is a thoughtful and entertaining study on the perils of ambition that has little to do with soccer and a lot to do with being human. Well-played.""""
-Tom Long, Detroit News
A finely constructed and fiercely entertaining soccer movie that deals more in pride and obsession than penalty kicks."" ""
-Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
Sheen's performance is controlled fury, barely touching ground as he presents Clough as being the very picture of a delusional fool."" ""
-Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Synopsis

Starring: Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, & Jim Broadbent Set in 1960’s and 1970’s England, THE DAMNED UNITED tells the confrontational and darkly humorous story of Brian Clough’s doomed 44 day tenure as manager of the reigning champions of English football Leeds United. Previously managed by his bitter rival Don Revie, and on the back of their most successful period ever as a football club, Leeds was perceived by many to represent a new aggressive and cynical style of football - an anathema to the principled yet flamboyant Brian Clough, who had achieved astonishing success as manager of Hartlepool and Derby County building teams in his own vision with trusty lieutenant Peter Taylor. Taking the Leeds job without Taylor by his side, with a changing room full of what in his mind were still Don’s boys, would lead to an unheralded examination of Clough’s belligerence and brilliance over 44 days. This is that story. The story of The Damned United.

Theatrical Release Date

Friday, December 25, 2009
Original Languages: English
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 97 min.
Year: 2009

CREDITS

CAST
Colm Meaney
Jim Broadbent
Michael Sheen
DIRECTED BY
Tom Hooper

TRAILER


PHOTOS

Left to Right: Johnny Giles (Peter McDonald), Billy Bremner (Stephen Graham), and Norman Hunter (Mark Cameron). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Brian Clough (Michael Sheen). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
The Leeds Team following a game. Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Director Tom Hooper. Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Jimmy Gordon (Maurice Roeves). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) and the rest of the Leeds team following a game. Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Billy Bremmer (Stephen Graham) performing a slide tackle in the mud. Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Brian Clough (Michael Sheen). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Brian Clough (Michael Sheen). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Don Revie (Colm Meaney). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Left to Right: Jimmy Gordon (Maurice Roeves), Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Left to Right: Jimmy Gordon (Maurice Roeves), Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall) and Brian Clough (Michael Sheen). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Sam Longson (Jim Broadbent). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.
Sam Longson (Jim Broadbent). Photo taken by Laurie Sparham © Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, All Rights Reserved.