Concussionfocuses on an important topic. But is it the movie people want to see on Christmas Day? Perhaps it will pull in NFL fans, and it could garner a few Oscar nominations. But this is not the feel good family movie you and your family will want to sit and enjoy this holiday season. As the second trailer teases,Concussionis going to weigh heavily on your brain. This drama starsWill Smithand is based on a true story that delves intoNFL brain trauma.
Will Smithplays Dr. Bennet Omalu, the forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and fought for the truth to be known.Concussionis based on the David vs. Goliath journey of Dr. Omalu, who treats thefootball-related brain trauma of a pro player while fighting to bring awareness to the public. In his search for the truth behind the devastating malady, Omalu’s quest humanizes the price paid by professional athletes in impact sports but also by people who challenge the status quo as it exposes the political, cultural and corporate interests that fuel the business of sports.
Will Smith is joined inConcussionby a stellar ensemble cast. Joining him are starsAlec Baldwin,Luke Wilson,Gugu Mbatha-Raw,Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, David Morse andAlbert Brooks.Peter Landesman, probably best known forKill the MessengerandParkland, writes and directs the movie, which is partially based on the GQ article “Game Brain,” written by Jeanne Marie Laskas.Ridley Scottproduces alongside Giannina Facio, David Wolthoff, Larry Shuman and Elizabeth Cantillon. David Crockett and Michael Schaefer are executive producers.Peter Landesmanhas a production team that includes director of photography Salvatore Totino, production designer David Crank, Academy Award-winning editor William Goldenberg, and costume designer Dayna Pink.
Dr. Bennet Omalu conducted the autopsy for several deceased Steelers players, including Hall of Fame center Mike Webster. This helped him discover the existence of specific brain trauma caused on the field. The movie sets out to show how the doctor has played an important role in convincing the NFL that football is hazardous to the head. Though, as we’ll learn, the football establishment has little interest in promoting the works of Dr. Bennet Omalu.
The story ofConcussionis something that definitely should be discussed, and you can expect to hear more about it as we move closer to opening day.Concussionis entering an extremely crowded Christmas marketplace, which comes just one week after the release ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens. It will have to contended with the family sequelAlvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip,Quentin Tarantino’s new WestrenThe Hateful Eight,Jennifer Lawrence’s Miracle Mop biopicJoy,Leonardo DiCaprio’s period survival thrillerThe Revenant,Daddy’s Home, a comedy that reunitesMark WahlbergandWill Ferrell,Oliver Stone’sSnowdenbiopic and thePoint Breakremake. WillConcussionbe heard above all that noise? We’ll have to wait and see, but from the trailer, it appears to be an early Oscar contender. Take a look at this latest sneak peek atWill Smith’sConcussion. Are you buying that accent?
