The Damned United (2009) – Review

The Damned United is a very mixed film. The filmmaking technically is very engaging. Tom Hooper and his D.P. Ben Smithard have seamlessly combined the look of the archive footage with what they shot for the film. The film itself feels like it is from the late 60s early 70s. Peter Morgan’s dialogue (be it accurate or not to what Brian Clough actually said) plays well and it is performed quite well by Michael Sheen. The story of the rise and fall of Clough is intriguing (maybe only to soccer fans). And yet with everything seemingly working, something it not right. The film does not hold the viewer’s attention, which can be narrowed down to placing the blame on pacing or narrative structure. Here, the culprit is the latter. The film is organized around jumping back and forth between Clough’s career leading up to being manager at Leeds United and actually being manager. Take 1974 to be the present. The film shows something in the present, and then comments on it by showing the past. For example: Brian Clough is arrogant… cut to the past – Clough and company do wonders with Derby explaining why he has a large ego. While an interesting way to approach the material, this film likely would have worked far better had it run in a linear fashion actually showing the rise and fall, instead of showing that the fall is imminent if not already happening right from the start. The film plays a bit like a gangster film, in that the hero (or anti-hero if you will) starts from meager beginnings only to rise to prominence, becomes boastful, and comes to find an untimely end. Brian Clough does not seem likable, but a credit to Hooper’s direction and Sheen’s performance the audience cheers and supports him even so. If not for the film’s structure, it would be one of the better sports films in recent years and a fine character piece as well. Timothy Spall is also good in the film. Overall the film is certainly worth the time of soccer fans as it captures the spirit of the game perfectly. Cinema fans should also enjoy it for its aesthetic accomplishments. Be that as it may, narrative structure is maybe the most important ingredient in what makes a great film, and The Damned United is found wanting. 6/10

At the Movies – November 2009

Must See in Theatres:

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (Dir. Wes Anderson) – Animation – Nov 13

Wes Anderson’s maiden effort into the world of animation finds its form in the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book about a sly fox that tries to get rid of angry farmers infringing on his home. The film features stop-motion animation; and while it is Anderson’s first animated project, the filmmakers style is very much apparent. Anderson also worked with Henry Selick (Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas) on the initial animation ideas. The film boasts a fantastic voice cast including: George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrien Brody.

Worth Checking Out (if not in theatres then at home):

1. The Box (Dir. Richard Kelly) – Thriller – Nov 6

Richard Kelly’s anticipated return to cinema, following the poorly received Southland Tales, materializes itself as a thriller involving a small box, push the button and you become instantly wealthy, at only the cost of a random human life that you do not know; would you do it? The film features the wonderful Frank Langella and also stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden.

2. The Men Who Stare at Goats (Dir. Grant Heslov) – Comedy – Nov 6

Actor Grant Heslov makes his feature debut with a twist on the consent stream of Iraqi War films. Based on a “true” story, the comedy is about psychic soldiers, warriors that kill with their minds!, as told through the perspective of a reporter following one of said telepathic fighting persons around. The film is headlined by George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, and Kevin Spacey.

3. The Damned United (Dir. Tom Hooper) – Sports – Nov 13

After his work on the John Adams HBO mini-series, Tom Hooper returns to features with his sports biography of Brian Clough’s 44 days as manager of Leeds United football club, and his competition both with prominent manager Don Revie and within. The film was written by busy English screenwriter Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon and The Queen) and stars Michael Sheen, Colm Meaney and Timothy Spall.

4. The Road (Dir. John Hillcoat) – Thriller – Nov 27

John Hillcoat’s look at post-apocalyptic America is the setting for a family’s journey to find a warmer climate and a better home. On the journey, father and son must do all in their means to survive any and everything that awaits them. The film is based on Cormac McCarthy’s (No Country for Old Men) novel. The film features a standout cast including: Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Robert Duvall, and the always good Garret Dillahunt.

Good for Dates:

1. The Fourth Kind (Dir. Olatunde Osunsanmi) – Thriller – Nov 6

Milla Jovovich stars in a thriller about a town in Alaska that has the largest amount of unexplained unsolved disappearances over the last 40 years in the United State. Jovovich plays the Chapman University professor that goes to investigate. The film is Olatunde Osunsanmi’s second effort. For those couples looking for a good fright-night, look no further in November.

Fun Movies:

1. Gentlemen Broncos (Dir. Jared Hess) – Comedy – Nov 20

The third film from Napoleon Dynamite writer/director Jared Hess, Gentlemen Broncos is about a young fantasy writer, played by Michael Angarano, who discovers that his best story idea has been stole by famed fanboy writer Chevalier, Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement. While the film will likely not be good, in the classical sense, those that enjoy fun light comedies should be entertained.

2. Ninja Assassin (Dir. James McTeigue) – Action – Nov 25

James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) returns with an action film about a young ninja who turns his back on his clan and the ensuing multitude of (hopefully) awesome fight sequences.  The film features South Korean pop-star Rain and Naomie Harris. Ninja Assassins is likely best suited for fans of the genre.

Art-House Watch:

1. The Messenger (Dir. Oren Moverman) – Drama – Nov 13

Oren Moverman makes his directorial debut with a drama about two soldiers, state-side, whose duty it is to inform the next of kin of the passing of their loved-one. The film focuses on Ben Foster’s character, how he deals with interacting with the families, especially after being in combat himself. He becomes involved with a widow and must struggles with the ethical quandary that arises from the relationship.  The film also stars Woody Harrelson and Samantha Morton.