The doctor who inspired the movie concussion truth doesnt. Bennet omalu, the pathologist who made one of the most significant medical discoveries of the twentyfirst century, a discovery that challenges the existence of americas favorite sport and puts omalu in the crosshairs of footballs most powerful corporation. In concussion, will smith is bringing the controversial true story of how one doctor discovered cte chronic traumatic encephalopathy a. Oct 30, 2017 if you saw the film concussion, starring will smith, you know that bennet omalu is the unlikely figure who rocked the foundation of the national football league and all of football with his.
Dec 31, 2015 will smith and alec baldwin in a scene from the film concussion, directed by peter landesman. W ill smiths concussion turns out to have an appropriate title. Nov 24, 2015 omalus study of the unfortunate brain of pittsburgh steeler mike webster, who died in 2002 at 50 of a supposed heart attack, brought new attention to the trauma of concussion. Download pdf concussion free online new books in politics. Bennet omalu, the neuropathologist portrayed by will smith in the 2015 awardnominated film concussion, may not understand one of our countrys biggest athletic obsessions, but he understands.
Bennet omalu, a forensic pathologist who fights against. A third of the way through, football had been mentioned only once. With will smith, alec baldwin, albert brooks, david morse. The nfls reaction to the concussion movie starring will. Concussion depicts the story of a neuropathologist, dr. One might expect that pop warner, the nations largest youth football program, would flinch at the release of a trailer for the upcoming will smith film concussion. Will smith takes on the nfl in concussion trailer star plays the doctor who discovered a link between football injuries and earlyonset dementia that could lead to death in a film that seems sure. The movie starts out by showing these players who freak out and start getting dimentia. Bennet omalu, played by will smith, and his struggle to warn the national football league of a brain condition that he discovered in. There is also no mention of this in the concussion book that expands upon.
Bennet omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play. Bennet omalu, a pathologist who becomes embroiled in a battle with the nfl. Bennet omalu inspired the film starring will smith. Five days before the movie concussion hits theaters, one of the nfls brightest young stars took a running start and launched himself head. Is the will smith movie concussion based on a true story. Concussion recounts how one doctor challenged nfl culture of denial. Bennet omalu, the pathologist who made one of the most significant medical. Bennet omalu, smiths characters reallife counterpart, discuss the concussion movie.
Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches, concentration problems, memory loss, balance and coordination difficulties. That discovery and its aftermath are the basis for jeanne marie laskas latest book, concussion. All of the discussion questions and assignments suggested below will be helpful for students who have read the book as well as for those who have only. Jun 17, 2019 the real story behind concussion with the release of concussion on december 25, heres a look at the real story of dr. Will smith stars as an american hero who took on an institution to deliver the truth. Concussion is a biographical picture that takes place in the early 2000s. If you saw the film concussion, starring will smith, you know that bennet omalu is the unlikely figure who rocked the foundation of the.
Concussion was published in 2015, to great critical acclaim. Dec 25, 2015 concussion is a biographical picture that takes place in the early 2000s. New york times bestseller the riveting, unlikely story of dr. This had the unfortunate effect of giving it the feel of a rubber chicken circuit rather than a colloquy. Soon to be a major motion picture starring will smith, concussion is the riveting, unlikely story of dr. The real doctors behind concussion movie, bennet omalu. The nfls concussion crisis, and read the fainaru brothers nonfiction book of the. The real doctors behind concussion movie speak out. Bennet omalu, the pathologist who made one of the most significant medical discoveries of the twentyfirst century, a discovery that challenges the existence of america s favorite sport and pu. A concussion can cause physical, cognitive and emotional changes that affect concentration, sleep, coordination, attention, memory and other areas. From coal miners to cowboys, an extraordinary exploration of the unseen people who make this country work, to her most recent book to obama. Bennet omalus battle against the nfl is classic david and goliath stuff, and jeanne marie laskasone of my favorite writers on.
Although the film claims merely to be based on real events, it has been criticized for inaccuracies. Books and information on effects of mild brain injury and concussion in adults concussion is the most common type of brain injury but there is nothing mild about it. Concussion inc the end of football as we know it by. Concussion recounts how one doctor challenged nfl culture. Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury mtbi, is typically defined as a head injury that temporarily affects brain functioning. Were considering expanding this synopsis into a fulllength study guide to deepen your comprehension of the book and why its important. Laskas dishes on the concussion controversy lawrence. Taut, gripping, and gorgeously told, concussion is the stirring story of one unlikely mans decision to stand up to a multibilliondollar colossus, and to tell the world the truth. This onepage guide includes a plot summary and brief analysis of concussion by jeanne marie laskas. The current thought in finding a cure is to develop a medication that would prevent the buildup of tau proteins in the brain, which is the characteristic component of cte. With will smith in the lead, oscarbaiting role of omalu, it seems certain both that the concussion controversy will receive renewed attention and that the word forgotten will not be attached to the doctors name going. The hijacking of the civilrights movement by todays black race hustlers and white liberals, all acting through the. Smiths character, the nigerianborn doctor bennet omalu, then must battle the powerful football league to share his findings with the public.
Omalu is a very relatable character, and we feel for him in. Oscarnominated actor will smith stars in concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the true story of forensic neuropathologist bennet. Advance praise for concussion a gripping medical mystery and a dazzling portrait of the young scientist no one wanted to listen to. Book by concussion doctor is recommended reading for. Concussion will smith and albert brooks overview filmmaker peter landesman parkland wrote and directed this sportsthemed drama based on jeanne marie laskas gq article game brain, about the potentially horrific cost of playing football. Bennet omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of cte, a footballrelated brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Concussion makes a christian argument against football. Will smith is a pathologist who starts doing autopsies on these players and discovers that there is a common theme, being repeated head trauma to the brain. The book affords an opportunity for students to experience nonfiction at its best. Books on mild brain injury and concussion in adults. Concussion by jeanne marie laskas is part true crime thriller, part. Omalus new book released august 8, truth doesnt have a side. Aug 11, 2017 bennet omalu, the neuropathologist portrayed by will smith in the 2015 awardnominated film concussion, may not understand one of our countrys biggest athletic obsessions, but he understands what it is to be an american better than anyone i know.
Bennet omalu and his battle to raise awareness about the issue of brain. Concussion movie vs true story of bennet omalu, mike webster. Dec 07, 2015 the upcoming film concussion also grew out of laskass article, and it arrives in theaters right on the heels of the book. In the film, omalu, portrayed by will smith, is the central character.
Written and directed by peter landesman, concussion includes among its stars will smith, gugu mbatharaw, alec baldwin, david morse, albert brooks, and arliss howard. This summary of concussion includes a complete plot overview spoilers included. Concussions are usually caused by a direct blow to the head, but can also occur after a motor vehicle accident. Traditional assessments of concussion involve subjective assessments of performance on cognitive function and.
I was interested in the will smith movie concussion but found this book to be vastly more interesting by focusing on an ensemble of major players both literal nfl players, as in the case of mike webster and in the people arguing on either side of the nfl concussion issue. Bennet omalu, the pathologist who made one of the most significant medical discoveries of the 21st century, a discovery that challenges the existence of americas favorite sport and puts omalu in the crosshairs of footballs most powerful corporation. Will smiths upcoming film is stirring up some controversy, and it hasnt even hit theaters yet. Photograph by melinda sue gordon columbia pictures everett.
What i liked this book was such an unexpected surprise for me. Parents need to know that concussion stars will smith as the reallife dr. The movie,concussion, which will premiere nationwide late in december is based on the true story of a nigerian immigrant who, as a neuropatholgist working in a medical examiners lab in. The article was later expanded by laskas into a book, concussion penguin random house, 2015, and adapted into a drama film of the same name. Bennet omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of cte, a footballrelated brain trauma, in. I share the view of many that concussion, although not without its flaws and controversies, is certainly a brilliantly acted, written, and directed film. The greatest strength of concussion is its outstanding cast.
The movie is called concussion, and its reportedly causing the nfl a bit of a headache. A death in the family chapter 11 auto that came along and asked them to get a doctor. As set out above, twm strongly suggests having students in grades ten through college read the book concussion. His story is told in the major motion picture concussion, starring will smith. Bennet omalu, the pathologist who first identified cte in professional football players, a discovery that challenges the existence of americas favorite sport and puts omalu in the crosshairs of footballs most powerful corporation. Bennet omalu, a nigerian forensic pathologist who conducts the autopsy of a former nfl star and discovers chronic traumatic encephalopathy cte, the result of repetitive head injuries from years of playing football. Her writing has appeared in gq, esquire, the new york times magazine, o. The doctor who inspired the movie concussion truth doesn.
Bennet omalus battle against the nfl is classic david and goliath stuff, and jeanne marie laskasone of my favorite writers on earth. Concussion available in bluray, dvd, 4k ultra hd ship this item qualifies for free shipping buy online, pick up in store is currently unavailable, but this. Similarly, alec baldwin, playing against type as a retired nfl team doctor who assists omalu, turns in a strong supporting performance. Bennett omalu l and will smith, who portrayed him in the film. Bennet omalu and will smith concussion interview video. Starring will smith, alec baldwin, albert brooks, david morse based on the. Aug 31, 2015 will smith stars in concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true david vs. The doctor said that jay hit his chin hard on the steering wheel, and that the concussion from that impact killed him instantly. Laskas serves as director of the writing program at the university of pittsburgh, where she teaches creative writing, and she lives on a horse farm in pennsylvania with her husband and two children. Read excerpts from the book in the atlantic and the wall street journal. Book by concussion doctor is recommended reading for parents of. Bennet omalu, a nigerianborn pathologist who brought the issue of brain damage in retired nfl players to the forefront, concussion is the sort of underdogstaresdown. Bennet omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made.
Both jeanne marie laskas book and gq article on dr. She has written a number of books, including hidden america. Dec 24, 2015 in concussion, will smith is bringing the controversial true story of how one doctor discovered cte chronic traumatic encephalopathy a brain disease caused by the repetitive head trauma. Despite its sometimes mechanical approach, concussion is anchored by will smiths star performance and the matter at hand. Will smith turns in an exceptional starring performance as omalu his nigerian accent is remarkable. Bennet omalu, the pathologist who made one of the most significant medical discoveries of the twentyfirst century, a discovery that challenges the. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brains function. Bennet omalu, a nigerian born doctor, who, as a forensic pathologist discovered a link between repetitive football injuries and brain injury. Jeanne marie laskas, author of the new york times bestselling book concussion, visited lawrence livermore national laboratory llnl last week, drawing a crowd of more than 200 employees to hear firsthand the sequence of events that led to her book and the subsequent hollywood movie starring will smith.
Six things concussion the movie wont tell you but brain experts will. Oct 06, 2015 new york times bestseller now a major motion picture starring will smith, concussion is the riveting, unlikely story of dr. A now a major motion picture starring will smith, concussion is the riveting, unlikely story of dr. Bennet omalu, a forensic pathologist who fights against the national football league trying to suppress his research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
A sensitive will smith anchors film that hits home. Will smith stars in concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true david vs. To ask other readers questions about concussion, please sign up. Despite its sometimes mechanical approach, concussion is anchored by will smith s star performance and the matter at hand. Concussion is a 2015 american biographical sports drama film directed and written by peter landesman, based on the expose game brain by jeanne marie laskas, published in 2009 by gq magazine. Omalu, offering a strong example of integrity and perseverance, goes. Her book builds on game brain, a 2014 article she wrote for gq about omalus work. New york times bestseller now a major motion picture starring will smith, concussion is the riveting, unlikely story of dr. Supersummary, a modern alternative to sparknotes and cliffsnotes, offers highquality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. The film of the book concussion, by jeanne marie laskas, will be in theaters on christmas day, with an alist cast of will smith, alec baldwin and albert brooks and produced by ridley scott, only. Taut, gripping, and gorgeously told, concussion is the stirring true story of one unlikely mans courageous decision to stand up to a multibilliondollar colossus bent on silencing him, and to tell the world the truth.
Dec 23, 2015 i am the wrong person to have discovered this, dr. It involves enforcing rules that are already on the rule book about headto. Concussion by peter landesman peter landesman, will smith. Concussion, the movie, may change way football is played. If you saw the film concussion, starring will smith, you know that bennet omalu is the unlikely figure who rocked the foundation of. Omalu, a practitioner who has such pride in his profession that he corrects people who refer to him as mister with doctor, but who is so kindhearted, brilliant.
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