Movie Summary"Concussion" is a 2015 American biographical sports drama film directed and composed by Peter Landesman. It focuses around the real story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian forensic pathologist, represented by Will Smith, who battled versus efforts by the National Football League (NFL) to reduce his research on the brain damage suffered by professional football players.
Plot SynopsisThe movie begins with Dr. Bennet Omalu, carrying out an autopsy on Mike Webster, a former center for the Pittsburgh Steelers who passed away of a heart attack. Omalu is surprised by Webster's serious mental retardation even though he had not sustained any severe blows to his head. This triggers Omalu to perform more research which causes the discovery of a new disease he names Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Omalu's research study shows that duplicated blows to the head that football players sustain during their careers trigger CTE resulting in severe psychological health problems such as memory loss, depression and even suicide. Omalu's findings get published in a medical journal, thrusting his work into the national limelight and making him the target of the NFL's vehement rejection and retaliation.
Dispute and ResolutionWhile the NFL at first dismisses Omalu's findings, openly discrediting him, there are gamers who struggle with similar signs who connect to him, showing that his research study stands. In spite of the unfavorable backlash from the NFL and its fans, Omalu is solved to expose the fact. He collaborates with previous NFL doctor Dr. Julian Bailes (Alec Baldwin) and his mentor Dr. Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks), both of whom also deal with repercussions for their assistance to Omalu.
The pressure from the NFL and the public affects Omalu's life significantly. He is fired from his job and faces dangers to his life. Nevertheless, his wife, Prema, stays his pillar of strength, and the couple perseveres through these trials.
Eleven years after his initial findings, Omalu is vindicated when an NFL-associated medical professional validates the presence of CTE in the brain of another previous player who died suddenly. This verification results in lawsuits versus the NFL by previous players alleging that the NFL knowingly kept details about the risks of concussions.
ConclusionAlthough the NFL is still unwilling to acknowledge the intensity of the issue, Omalu's research results in modifications in the way the game is played at the expert level, with more precautions being taken to safeguard players from head injuries.
"Concussion" concludes with Omalu denying an invitation to an NFL-arranged Congress on player security, choosing rather to continue his course independently. He takes comfort in his fight for the truth and his role in prompting modifications that safeguard future generations of football players. The movie ends with Omalu being granted for his contributions to forensic pathology.
Crucial Reception"Concussion" is a compelling, poignant movie that brought increased awareness to the dangers of repeated head injuries in American football, making it a topic of nationwide discussion. The movie was applauded for its performances, especially that of Will Smith as Omalu, whose depiction of the beleaguered, principled doctor challenging a governing body more thinking about revenues than gamer health, brought the story to vivid life.
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