Damned United 2: Living the dream

I love horror films!

Youre in luck then

Enjoyable in a spoof movie sort of way but disappointing when compared to the book. They completely removed the dark side of Clough's character to the extent that it was difficult to see how he could ever have been a successful manager anywhere never mind just at Leeds. And they went way OTT recruiting the most unathletic pot bellied actors they could find to play the players.

The movie toned down the negative portrayal of Clough because of pressure from the Clough family, I heard.

i enjoyed the film, i think it showed clough as a brash arrogant man on camera but almost insecure off it and very much in need of peter taylor to "mother him". loved the bit in the first training session when he says "no 50 50's" to which hunter goes straight through him as soon as he touches the ball (gammy knee and all)

It toned it down because Peace's original book was a barely disguised hatchet job more like...

And basically got rid of Giles' role, after he successfully sued them for libel.

As he himself said in the documentary last week, if Clough, Revie and Bremner had been alive, the book and the film would have never seen the light of day.

Aye. Toned down to the point that, whilst Sheen perfectly captured his mannerisms, failed to portray his personality. And in doing so they made him appear a complete wimp.

was interesting to see the documentary last week - Giles was very supportive of clough and very critical of the book's portrayal of clough and other people and that certain people (clough and revie) would have had every right to sue had they still been alive.

Peace takes a very black and white view of characters - they are either good or evil. That's fine when you're writing complete fiction like the Red Riding trilogy, but when you're basing it on real people and events you need to work differently IMO.

Interesting article and interview with Norman Hunter [url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1165691/Leeds-legend-Norman-Hunter-Were-Damned--United.htmlhere[/url.

Haven't seen it myself yet (or indeed read the book) but intend to do both. When i do so I will understand I am viewing/reading a work of drama based upon actual events, not a reference piece.

Not sure that RR & TDU are that different TBH. There's plenty of real events in red riding, plus a number of characters that are easily identifiable despite having fictional names. In both cases, Peace fills the gaps between events that are in the public domain with fictional material.

I've some sympathy with Clough's family, but OTOH I've never heard them complain too loudly whenever the press print over-sentimental guff and completely ignore some pretty serious character flaws.

i never enjoyed the book. i felt it was rubbish to be honest. hopefully will see the film next weekend though

I know a few lads who agree with you mate.
There's no doubting clough's pedigree imo but with leeds it was all wrong.

i think peter taylor would have made a big difference. clough never did a thing on his own

totally agree, and the film portrays it as such aswell

clough was overrated, in fact on his own he was pretty average, Taylor pulled the strings.

However the site of him throwing punches at his own supporters whilst at Forest dictates he achieves mega status!! The fans even apologised to Clough for being punched!!

Quote ="The Magic Wand"clough was overrated, in fact on his own he was pretty average, Taylor pulled the strings. However the site of him throwing punches at his own supporters whilst at Forest dictates he achieves mega status!! The fans even apologised to Clough for being punched!! '" You mean this www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9bkgYLJyjE

Quote ="The Magic Wand"clough was overrated, in fact on his own he was pretty average, Taylor pulled the strings. However the site of him throwing punches at his own supporters whilst at Forest dictates he achieves mega status!! The fans even apologised to Clough for being punched!! '" You mean this www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9bkgYLJyjE

Quote ="Gandy"You mean this www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9bkgYLJyjE'" Quality

Quote ="Gandy"You mean this www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9bkgYLJyjE'" Quality

Quite moving stuff at the end. Cloughie was the original big 'ead, but even big 'eads have an insecure side.

Real "human" moment with his grandson right at the end of the film.

Seeing this soon.

Agreed

He really aged that decade didn't he!

You're right about that and Loz's point about the seats.

There are a few other things that are 'wrong' ....

- The players tunnel used is the one in the corner between the Kop and the West Stand .... IIRC, the proper one near the half way line is a lot narrower >

- Was the M621 built at the time of Clough ?

- The BRS / National Carriers Depot at the back of the Kop was thriving at that time

- Fullerton Park, the old Leeds Training ground only seems to be about 50 yards wide

- The 'Leeds United AFC' sign which was on the centre of the West Stand seems to have moved to the corner of the ground.

- The driveway in to the ground is 'wrong'

- The bus shelters are the wrong colour

- The greyhound stadium was still there at the time of Clough (and had Hunslet lodging there ?)

There's a few other points too, but don't let it detract you from seeing the film. It is far removed from the book and both are worthy of consideration in their own way.

cracking film, becoming a fan of Mr Sheen now

funny seeing an old mate as a Derby player as hes a die hard Leeds fan