Concussion

Will Smith delivers a superb performance as real-life forensic neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu, who identified the brain disorder known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in pro football players, and thereby alienated the National Football League. In 2002, Omalu—a gentle, soft-spoken Nigerian immigrant with multiple medical degrees—detects evidence of trauma damage in the brain of former Pittsburgh Steeler “Iron Mike” Webster (David Morse), who died at the age of 50. Soon afterwards, he finds similar signs in the brains of other deceased players who suffered from mood swings, violent outbursts, and diminished comprehension. Tenacious Omalu believes that pro football players are routinely concussed hundreds of times during their careers; unfortunately, this observation can only be confirmed posthumously. When he and colleague Dr. Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks) publish their research in a 2005 medical journal, NFL officials refute their conclusion, although a former team doctor (Alec Baldwin) reluctantly agrees. After being intimidated, harassed, and pursued, Omalu and his Kenya-born wife (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) are even threatened with deportation. Although NFL player Dave Duerson (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) testifies before Congress that there is no evidence of a connection between repetitive head trauma and brain injury, his own brain ultimately reveals evidence of CTE after he commits suicide in 2011. Unfortunately, writer-director Peter Landesman's Concussion is a one-note, workmanlike, and ploddingly-paced film. But Smith's fine turn makes this a strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Peter Landesman, an “Inside the True Story” behind-the-scenes featurette (11 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a “Crafting Concussion” production featurette (13 min.), deleted scenes (13 min.), and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an uneven film.] (S. Granger)