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What do clergy members engage in in their free time? Recently, this writer went with a couple of companions, both other pastors, to see a new movie named I Swear. Based on its trailer, it was clear that the film was about a man living with TS. What the author had not know was that it was based on a real person: John Davidson, who was featured in a late eighties program who later was awarded a royal honor in recognition of his work to teach people regarding Tourette's as well as support those affected.

Exploring Tourette's

Prior to this documentary, many individuals hadn't been aware of TS. Nearly 40 years later, people sort of recognizes what it is, yet it is often viewed as a punchline – notably in the comedy circuit.

Based on the trailer, it was evident which the film aimed to walk a fine line by both capitalising on the clear funny moments from someone yelling the most inappropriate things at awkward situations and working to carry on Davidson’s work of educating the public in a respectful and sensitive approach. Hopefully this isn't revealing too much to state it was successful in both aspects – however of course I only knew that by the end.

A Startling Theater Incident

As the film began, a teenager sitting in front of us abruptly yelled a string of obscenities. For a minute, I thought it was a prank – albeit a joke highly inappropriate. Yet, it was soon evident which here was someone genuinely with Tourette syndrome: a young man with his father.

And as the film progressed, the same with the teenager – and there was no obvious intervention from either the parent or anybody among the viewers. I felt a bit divided. Obviously, this represented a big deal for them to see the certainly extremely challenging existence shown on the big screen, so I was pleased that they were having this experience. Yet was it fair if I and the entire audience in the theater could hardly hear the film because of this? Could the cinema have been able to put on a special screening – like many cinemas frequently offer to those with conditions in general?

A Personal Struggle

I’m ashamed to admit which I really thought about complaining – not directly to them personally (I’m not an insensitive person), instead to staff of the cinema. But, both of my obviously more charitable friends had come to terms to the situation. Additionally, I recalled was the admittedly fictional incident from Extras when a character's Andy Millman protests regarding a young person being disruptive during a meal, not realizing which he has Down’s syndrome. He barely survived the resultant negative attention – so my complaint might have been even more inappropriate since I was aware the teenager could not was unable to control it.

A Profound Awakening

Thankfully, my compassion prevailed then a remarkable event happened over the next 90 minutes. Initially, I just got used to the once-intrusive utterances. Then, as the film reached its climax and the audience observed the deeply freeing effect which the protagonist's support groups offered for numerous individuals, I experienced modest and deeply honored to experience this event alongside individuals who’d actually lived it not only as actors – although Robert Aramayo’s performance as the character was excellent , in my view, Oscar-caliber.

I’ve had comparable situations at the movies previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside a friend who stutters and their language pathologist wife, alternatively encountering real ex-soldiers of World War II in the lobby following Saving Private Ryan – but this was in a different league. It was like a 4D screening, but instead of physical effects or sprays of water spraying the audience, the individuals were right next to you stating, “This is more than a movie. It reflects my life.” And then using foul language. An example phrase.

A Positive Resolution

So I didn’t complain. When the credits rolled, I went so far as to went and thanked the young man – aged 14 – along with Mark, guardian, for the gift of their presence, which undoubtedly made our experience even more profound compared to it would have been. Next conversed at length and took a selfie together – at that moment everyone present shouted a curse to support Joe.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend people to view this remarkable film and if you have the chance to find yourself sharing the cinema with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim