Concussion

Concussion

Year: 2013

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Stacie Passon

Drama

As forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu dissects the life of former NFL star Mike Webster, he uncovers a shocking truth: the devastating toll of football's most brutal blows. Alarmed by his findings, Omalu sounds the alarm on chronic traumatic encephalopathy, sparking a quest to expose the hidden costs of gridiron greatness and protect those who gave their all to the game.

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Timeline & Setting – Concussion (2013)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Concussion (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2002, 2015

The movie spans from September 2002, a time marked by public ignorance surrounding sports-related injuries and mental health, to 2015, when awareness about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) gains prominence. This period illustrates significant social and medical shifts, particularly regarding the treatment of athletes' health and the NFL's response to injury-related issues.

Location

Pittsburgh, Lodi, California

The film primarily takes place in Pittsburgh, known for its rich sports culture and the iconic Pittsburgh Steelers, a team central to the story. Lodi, California, serves as a more personal backdrop for Dr. Bennet Omalu and Prema Mutiso, representing their aspirations for a family and a quiet life despite the chaos surrounding their past.

🏙️ City 🌳 Suburb

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Main Characters – Concussion (2013)
Meet the key characters of Concussion (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith)

Dr. Bennet Omalu is a passionate forensic pathologist dedicated to uncovering the truths behind athletes' health issues. His character is defined by resilience and a relentless pursuit of justice, often facing opposition from powerful institutions. His compassion is evident in his relationships, particularly with Prema, highlighting his depth beyond professional ambition.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctor 📚 Researcher 💔 Advocate

Mike Webster (David Morse)

Mike Webster is a once-celebrated football player whose decline into homelessness and dementia serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of neglecting athletes' health. His tragic journey evokes empathy, illustrating the personal costs of a sport often glorified. His struggles become a catalyst for Bennet’s research into CTE.

🏈 Athlete 📉 Tragedy 💔 Struggle

Prema Mutiso (Gugu Mbatha-Raw)

Prema Mutiso is a young immigrant whose relationship with Bennet adds emotional depth to the narrative. Her initial reluctance for financial assistance transforms into a loving bond that underscores themes of commitment and resilience. Prema's character embodies strength as she navigates personal tragedy and supports Bennet's challenging journey.

💑 Love 💪 Resilience 🌍 Immigrant

Dr. Julian Bailes (Alec Baldwin)

Dr. Julian Bailes is a key figure in the medical community who offers assistance to Bennet while embodying the ethical dilemmas faced in sports medicine. His character reflects the complexities of acknowledging inconvenient truths about athlete health and the pressure from the sports industry.

🩺 Doctor ⚖️ Ethics 🌪️ Dilemma

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Major Themes – Concussion (2013)
Explore the central themes of Concussion (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚽ Sports Health

The film addresses the theme of sports health, specifically focusing on the ramifications of concussions in football. It highlights the struggle for athletes to receive proper medical care and the consequences of neglect. The story advocates for the need to prioritize the mental well-being of players over the sport itself.

❤️ Love and Loss

Love and loss play a significant role in the characters’ journeys, particularly between Bennet and Prema. Their relationship showcases the strength of love in the face of adversity, while their devastating loss of an unborn child emphasizes the fragility of life. This theme underscores the resilience needed to navigate personal tragedy amidst external battles.

🔬 Scientific Discovery

The pursuit of scientific discovery is central to Bennet's character as he uncovers the truth about CTE. His journey illustrates the challenges scientists face when challenging established norms and fighting for recognition. This theme reflects the tension between passion for science and the bureaucratic opposition often encountered.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

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