Perdita
10-03-2009, 09:59
The family of late football boss Brian Clough reportedly "loathe" the idea of seeing the upcoming biopic based on his early management career.
According to The Guardian, Clough's widow Barbara and their children Elizabeth, Simon and Nigel have rejected an offer from The Damned United director Tom Hooper to see an early screening of the movie.
The Clough family initially objected to David Peace's novel, on which the film is based, due to its portrayal of Clough as a depressed, paranoid alcoholic.
"They absolutely loathe the idea," said Don Shaw, author of Clough's War. "Nigel tried to read The Damned United but gave up because he was so shocked by it. Barbara read one page before she had to stop... They were horrified by the book and won't be seeing the film."
Producer Andy Harries defended the movie, insisting that it takes a more upbeat look at its subject's life. "It's a shame Mrs Clough doesn't want to see the film and it's particular shame that the children haven't responded to our overtures. I find it a bit surprising. He was a public figure all his life and no-one exploited the media more than Clough.
"We didn't dwell on his alcoholism or his decline. That wasn't the story we wanted to tell. In quite tough times, we wanted to make a film with an upbeat ending - you come out of the cinema thinking it was an enjoyable experience and that Clough was a good guy."
The Damned United, starring Michael Sheen as the iconic football manager, is released in cinemas on March 27.
According to The Guardian, Clough's widow Barbara and their children Elizabeth, Simon and Nigel have rejected an offer from The Damned United director Tom Hooper to see an early screening of the movie.
The Clough family initially objected to David Peace's novel, on which the film is based, due to its portrayal of Clough as a depressed, paranoid alcoholic.
"They absolutely loathe the idea," said Don Shaw, author of Clough's War. "Nigel tried to read The Damned United but gave up because he was so shocked by it. Barbara read one page before she had to stop... They were horrified by the book and won't be seeing the film."
Producer Andy Harries defended the movie, insisting that it takes a more upbeat look at its subject's life. "It's a shame Mrs Clough doesn't want to see the film and it's particular shame that the children haven't responded to our overtures. I find it a bit surprising. He was a public figure all his life and no-one exploited the media more than Clough.
"We didn't dwell on his alcoholism or his decline. That wasn't the story we wanted to tell. In quite tough times, we wanted to make a film with an upbeat ending - you come out of the cinema thinking it was an enjoyable experience and that Clough was a good guy."
The Damned United, starring Michael Sheen as the iconic football manager, is released in cinemas on March 27.