Key Highlights
- Kenny Dalglish is a legend at Liverpool FC, both as a player and manager.
- Documentary filmmaker Asif Kapadia turns his attention to Dalglish in a new film.
- The documentary covers Dalglish’s early life, career with Celtic, and time at Liverpool FC.
- Dalglish played a crucial role during the Hillsborough disaster of 1989.
Lifelong Legacy: A New Documentary on Kenny Dalglish
Documentary filmmaker Asif Kapadia, known for his portraits of Ayrton Senna, Amy Winehouse, and Diego Maradona, has turned to a new subject in “The Life and Times of Kenny Dalglish,” a film that explores the legendary footballer’s journey from Glasgow to becoming one of Liverpool FC’s most revered figures.
From Glasgow to Anfield
The documentary, narrated by Kapadia himself, begins with Dalglish’s modest upbringing in Glasgow. In 1971, he signed for Celtic and went on to win numerous Scottish trophies. Kapadia uses Dalglish as a narrator to zip through these early years, painting a vivid picture of the young player’s passion for football.
Love and Marriage
Dalglish’s personal life is also explored in detail. He met his wife Marina, a barmaid from a different background, at a pub near Celtic’s training ground. Their courtship was long – Dalglish took three years to ask her out for the “pictures” and fish and chips, and their honeymoon lasted only one day. Despite this, Dalglish quipped that she was “the best signing I ever made.”
Managerial Tenure at Liverpool
Kapadia’s film delves into Dalglish’s managerial career at Liverpool FC. As a player, he was known for his guile and finishing ability, with memorable moments like a cheeky backheel to Phil Neal. His time as manager saw him lead the team through some of its highest highs and lowest lows, including his controversial replacement for Kevin Keegan.
The documentary also touches on the impact of Liverpool FC within the city fabric.
During times of high unemployment and rising costs of living, Dalglish served as a beacon of hope, especially after the tragic Hillsborough disaster in 1989. His role during this crisis is highlighted with powerful archival footage showing his visits to hospitals and funerals.
Legacy and Impact
Dalglish’s humanity comes through in various anecdotes. For example, Dalglish was part of the so-called ‘Jock Mafia’ – he, Alan Hansen, and Graeme Souness were allowed chocolate digestives while English players had plain biscuits. Souness even used Dalglish’s daughter Kelly as a “babe magnet.” Despite these lighter moments, Kapadia emphasizes Dalglish’s inherent decency and leadership qualities.
The film serves as a fitting tribute to one of football’s finest, showcasing not just his on-field skills but also the broader impact he had on Liverpool FC and its fans. As the article concludes, even those who root for Everton would stand and applaud this documentary.
