How damaging can a little ‘Concussion’ really be?

BY

Football players get whacked in the melon game after game. As it turns out, there are long-term medical consequences to such repeated trauma. Who knew?

Actually, the NFL (everyone else suspected), but the willful ignorance was a closely guarded secret until Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) addressed the matter “head on” (pun intended).

Adapted from the GQ article, “Game Brain,” by Jeanne Marie Laskas, this is the true account of the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who was not an American. He wasn’t even African-American; yet his discovery could have potentially ended the most popular game in America. To some fans, this Nigerian was the Grinch that stole Christmas.

Smith delivers a powerfully restrained performance as the good doctor, complete with accent, quirkiness and perseverance. Worthy of Academy consideration, Smith spent time with the real Doc, even observing live autopsies. Alec Baldwin and Albert Brooks lead a strong supporting cast. We are not fans of either, but Baldwin delivers his role intensely and Brooks is actually much more amusing in this serious role.

This important story makes the NFL resemble the Tobacco Industry investigated by Woodward and Bernstein. The cumulative effect of repeated head trauma is a sobering issue. Most notably, the recent suicide of Junior Seau caught the attention of local Charger fans. However, several years ago it might have been swept under the rug.

Initial findings are discovered when a former star of the Pittsburgh “Stillers” suffers mental illness, depression and eventually commits suicide. Brain scans had appeared normal, but Omalu suspects there is more to the story. In his “science of death,” he conducts extensive research, discovering a unique abnormality, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), caused by repeated head trauma, killing from the inside out.

After the critical discovery is published, he urges the NFL representative, “Tell the truth! Tell the truth!” Soon after, Omalu’s boss, Dr. Wecht (Brooks) informs him, “They’re accusing you of fraud; what if they show up here with a warrant?” Omalu responds, “On suspicion of what? Science?” As the Allegheny County (PA) Coroner, Omalu explains, “I never wanted anything as much as I wanted to be an American.”

Writer-director Peter Landesman dramatically illustrates the story, but then drives the personal story of the doctor a little further into melodrama than needed. Although he has more degrees than a thermometer, his work is discredited, and he is run out of town in disgrace by an onside blitz from the NFL’s own Steel Curtain.

Ron and Leigh Martel
Movie Reviewers, The Friday Flyer

Wecht rhetorically asks, “Did you think the NFL would thank you?” Omalu retorts, “Yes, for knowing!” But, it is noted that this formidable conglomerate owns a day of the week; same day the Church used to own. As they didn’t like the message, their playbook said to deny, stonewall and shoot the messenger. Illegal procedure?

This is a fascinating story with a capable cast and inspiring star. At times, it seems Landesman attempts to make it more than what it is, dragging on a trifle too long. It is a must-see film for any athlete or parents of youngsters considering a sport. The intent is not to dissuade anyone from their chosen pastime (even boxing), but to enlighten them on the potential consequences and be supportive of prospective improvements.

“Concussion” is 123 minutes and rated PG-13 for thematic material including disturbing images and language. Common sense tells us players will always get hurt playing a violent game. Stars are compensated with celebrity and monetary rewards beyond their imagination. Yet, depression and mental illness were not in the brochure.

We’re reminded this is not medicine; it’s business. Getting up in his grill, Omalu is asked, “Do you understand the impact of what you are doing?” This dignified immigrant meekly realizes, “I am the wrong person to have discovered this.” Not really, but we strongly suggest his next research be to identify what’s so very wrong with our Presidential candidates.

Ron’s Rating: B   Leigh’s Rating: B