Concussions lay at the forefront of the discourse surrounding the long-term vitality of the NFL. The mounds of research on the long-term implications of a concussion have become common knowledge, and we’ve even seen NFL players retire abruptly because of it. Concussion knowledge, and the term chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), wasn’t commonplace just seven years ago.
CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive brain trauma. The disease was discovered by Nigerian-born doctor Bennet Omalu. His discovery of the disease was fraught with obstruction from the NFL, being that CTE is found commonly in football players. Omalu’s incredible story is captured in the film Concussion starring Will Smith and directed by Peter Landesman, which is scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day.
The film could have been a damning condemnation on the NFL suppressing concussion research, but allegedly, Roger Goodell managed to get his hands on the film. Instead, Landesman is dedicated to making an honest portrayal of Omalu’s battle against a Goliath and the internal fortitude it requires. He spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about why he specifically had Will Smith in mind when he wrote the screenplay:
“Will was much on my mind as I was writing the screenplay. Not just his voice but his physicality — the grace and energy he brings to his performance. And his inherent joy, which matches Bennet’s. It wasn’t more than a couple days after finishing the script that [former Sony co-chairman] Amy Pascal gave it to Will.
Will designed his exposure to the real Bennet with the same intention he brought to his performance: Enough but not too much. I was very wary of asking my cast to interpret or impersonate. I wanted Will, and everyone, to find his or her own version of their character’s journey, and their body, without pressure to copy “reality.” Will and I did watch a number of autopsies, including two performed by Bennet. I insisted on it, mostly for both of us to understand the physical dance of a man around a table, cutting up a body — the choreography and rhythm of the hands and the feet.”
Throughout the interview, Landesman insists that he’s only interested in an honest pursuit of the truth. That pursuit will inevitably lead to the NFL and the heavy hand they played in the suppression of concussion research. Although Landesman has no interest in fighting the NFL, he does not plan to pander to them, either. He said this in response to a question about his communication with the NFL since the release of the trailer:
“I’ve had absolutely no communication with the NFL.”
Luckily for Landesman, the NFL can’t fine him, too.
