Will Smith stars in Sony’s Concussion, an inspirational tale based upon the true story of Nigerian-born forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu. As this trailer reveals, Dr. Omalu discovered a controversial new disease during the autopsy of Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster. Before Webster’s premature death at age 50, he fell into disgrace due to a debilitating depression. He spiraled into economic ruin and lost his home, his personal relationships, and his sanity. Omalu believed that repeated blows to the head during the course of Webster’s career were responsible for his condition. An occupational hazard had transformed into something beyond the game itself.
Omalu uncovered a disease in Webster’s brain that he named chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. One can imagine exactly how badly the NFL wished to shut down Omalu’s quest to expose the disease, and Concussion tells the uplifting story of Omalu waging battle against a Goliath. Omalu’s conviction led him to risk everything to reveal the truth, and he illuminates the still relevant risks faced by players as we head into the thick of football season.
If this trailer is any indication, Smith — who has twice been nominated for an Oscar — appears to do this role justice. Director Peter Landesman previously revealed that he held Smith’s presence in the back of his mind as he drafted the screenplay. Landesman referred to Smith’s “grace and energy,” not to mention “his inherent joy, which matches Bennet’s.” Here, Smith maintains a dignified presence while delivering a verbal wink and nod to the American Dream as achieved by a non-American.
Will this role prompt the Academy to elevate Smith to the Oscar shortlist once more? We’ll find out when Concussion arrives in theaters on Christmas Day.
