Tom Hooper's rollicking, rough-and-tumble The Damned United follows the early rise to fame, and infamy, of one of England's great football (soccer) managers, Brian Clough. Don't worry – you don't have to be a sports fan or know anything about football to enjoy this immensely entertaining, at times outrageously funny story of a cocky and fearless young man whose arrogance is both his greatest strength and his fatal weakness. If you enjoyed Michael Caine in the classic Alfie or Ricky Gervais in The Office, you are in for the same kind of treat. The brilliant Michael Sheen (celebrated for his roles in Frost/Nixon and The Queen) nails the charm and in-your-face brashness of a man determined to do it his way, and damn the consequences!
Hired in the early seventies to manage the dominant football team of the era, Leeds United, Clough (Sheen) had established his reputation by dragging Derby County, a small-town team, to the pinnacle of English football in a few short years. With an unerring eye and ear for detail, Hooper captures the man's swashbuckling and highly individualistic style. As Clough scratches and claws his way to the top, some idolize him while others take umbrage. A gambler by nature, he is also a Houdini-like master of escape. Success led to contempt and greater risk taking, but the results were there, and no matter how many bridges Clough burned (he excelled at the outrageous statement), he was a winner. After outstaying his welcome at Derby, he caught the eye of Leeds and signed on with the team. The fit was a disaster. Clough's high-handed style rubbed a veteran squad of no-nonsense players the wrong way.
Hooper has made much more than a sports film. He brilliantly portrays the roots of those modern captains of industry whose ambition is fuelled by competition, and whose cockiness and charisma become a deadly cocktail when confronted by those who are irritated by the style and fail to see the substance. One of the great subplots of the film features the ups and downs of Clough's relationship with his faithful cohort and trainer, a man who unquestionably was a major reason for the legendary manager's professional success. Humorous, confrontational, endearing and unapologetic, The Damned United is invigorating entertainment.
Tom Hooper was born in London, England, and studied English at Oxford University. His short
Painted Faces (92) premiered at the London Film Festival.
Elizabeth I (05) earned him an Emmy for outstanding direction. His other television productions include
Longford (06) and
John Adams (08). His first feature film,
Red Dust, was a Gala presentation at the 2004 Festival.
The Damned United (09) is his most recent film.