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Which activities do religious leaders engage in during their leisure hours? Recently, this writer went with a couple of companions, each fellow pastors, to watch the new film titled I Swear. Based on the teaser, I knew that it was about a man diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. However, what I had not understand was that it chronicled an actual individual: John Davidson, who starred in an earlier 1989 documentary and earned a royal honor in recognition of their work to inform people about the condition and assist fellow sufferers.

Learning About TS

Prior to that film, most people had never known about Tourette syndrome. Almost 40 years afterwards, everybody sort of recognizes its nature, yet it’s still viewed as a joke – especially on stand-up comedy.

Based on previews, it seemed that the production intended to balance by both using the clear humorous aspects from a person uttering socially awkward words during awkward situations and striving to carry on the protagonist's work in promoting understanding in a tactful and considerate manner. Hopefully this isn't revealing too much to say it managed on both counts – but of course this realization came once the film concluded.

An Unexpected Theater Incident

As the feature commenced, a youth sitting in the row from us suddenly shouted out a string of curse words. At first, it appeared it was a prank – albeit a joke quite offensive. But, it soon became clear which here was a real-life person with Tourette's: an adolescent alongside a parent.

And as the story unfolded, so did the teenager – with no apparent intervention from neither the parent or anyone among the viewers. I felt slightly divided. Undoubtedly, this represented a big deal for them to watch the certainly very tough daily reality portrayed in cinema, and I was pleased which they were having that opportunity. But was it acceptable that we along with other viewers in the cinema struggled to follow the dialogue as a result? Would the venue not have organize a dedicated session – like most of the chains regularly do to those with conditions in general?

A Moral Dilemma

It's regrettable to admit that I genuinely contemplated raising the issue – however, not directly to them personally (I’m not heartless), instead to staff at the venue. Yet, both of my clearly more compassionate friends appeared to resigned themselves with what was happening. Moreover, I recalled was the fictional yet memorable episode in Extras when Ricky Gervais’s the protagonist objects about a young person being disruptive in public, unaware that the child has a genetic condition. He barely survived the subsequent bad press – so my complaint might have been much more severe because I was aware the boy could not couldn’t help it.

An Eye-Opening Realization

Thankfully, my conscience prevailed and an amazing thing unfolded during the following hour and a half. First, I gradually adapted to the initially distracting sounds. Later, when the story reached its climax where viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating influence which the protagonist's special programs have had on many participants, I experienced modest and very privileged to share this event alongside individuals with firsthand knowledge not only in a fictional setting – even though Robert Aramayo’s acting as the character was superb and personally, Oscar-caliber.

I’ve had comparable situations while watching films previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside a friend with a speech impediment and his speech therapist spouse, or bumping into former servicemen of the Normandy landings in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was far more impactful. It resembled a 4D screening, however instead of physical effects or sprays of water touching viewers, the people were present beside you stating, “This goes beyond a film. It’s my reality.” And then swearing. A memorable line.

A Heartwarming Conclusion

Therefore I refrained from objecting. As the film ended, I even spoke with the young man – who was fourteen – along with the parent, his father, for the gift of being there, which certainly made our experience deeper than it would have been. We then talked for a while then snapped a photo together – during which the group exclaimed a curse in solidarity with Joe.

Key Takeaways

I would strongly encourage everyone to watch this excellent production , if you’re lucky enough to find yourself watching alongside with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim