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What do vicars do in their leisure hours? Recently, I ventured accompanied by a couple of colleagues, each fellow ministers, to see the new film called I Swear. Based on its preview, I understood which the film focused on a person diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. However, what I had not realize turned out to be the fact it was based on an actual individual: the subject, who appeared in a late eighties documentary and received a British Empire Medal for his campaigns to inform the public regarding Tourette's as well as help fellow sufferers.

Learning About TS

Prior to this film, the majority hadn't heard of the condition. Nearly four decades since then, most individuals sort of knows the basics, but it remains treated as a punchline – especially on the comedy circuit.

Based on previews, it was evident which the film was going to try to walk a fine line by simultaneously using the obvious comic potential from someone uttering socially awkward words during inopportune times and striving to continue Davidson’s efforts of educating the public through a tactful and considerate way. I hope it’s not revealing too much to mention it succeeded on both counts – however of course this became clear by the end.

An Unexpected Theater Incident

When the movie commenced, a teenager seated in front nearby abruptly yelled a string of profanities. At first, it appeared it was a joke – albeit one quite offensive. However, it quickly became apparent which here was a real-life person experiencing Tourette's: a teenager alongside a parent.

While the story unfolded, so did the boy – and there was no apparent action from either his father or anyone in the audience. This led to slightly conflicted. Obviously, it was a significant event for this family to see their undoubtedly extremely challenging daily reality shown on the big screen, so it was positive which they were having this experience. But was it acceptable if we and everyone else in the auditorium struggled to follow the film as a result? Could the cinema not have put on a special screening – like several theaters regularly do to those with conditions typically?

A Personal Conflict

I’m ashamed to say that I genuinely thought about raising the issue – however, not directly to them personally (I’m not a monster), but to the theater management at the venue. Yet, each of the author's obviously kinder friends seemed to have accepted to what was happening. Moreover, I recalled was the admittedly fictional scene in Extras where a character's the protagonist complains about a child making too much noise during a meal, ignorant which he has special needs. He faced backlash the resultant bad press – and my offence might have been even more inappropriate since I knew the individual simply had no choice.

A Transformative Realization

Luckily, my compassion prevailed then an amazing thing unfolded over the next hour and a half. First, I simply adapted to the previously bothersome noise. Then, when the film approached its conclusion where we saw the profoundly empowering impact which the protagonist's support groups offered for numerous individuals, I experienced humbled and deeply honored to experience this event with people who’d actually lived it not just in a fictional setting – although Robert Aramayo’s portrayal in the role stood out and to this writer, deserving of recognition.

There have been analogous moments while watching films previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a speech impediment and his language pathologist wife, or bumping into real ex-soldiers of the Normandy landings after the show following Saving Private Ryan – yet this was in a different league. It was like an enhanced viewing, however instead of the chairs moving about or sprays of water spraying the audience, the characters were sitting beside you stating, “This goes beyond entertainment. It’s my reality.” And then cursing. An example phrase.

A Heartwarming Conclusion

Therefore no complaint was made. As the credits rolled, I actually approached and expressed gratitude to the teenager – who was fourteen – along with Mark, his father, for the honor of being there, which certainly enriched the film more meaningful compared to it would have been. We then talked for a while then snapped a photo with everyone – at that moment we all exclaimed a curse to support the young man.

Key Takeaways

It is urged that all viewers to go and see this excellent movie and should the opportunity arises to find yourself sharing the cinema with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim