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Which activities might religious leaders do in their leisure hours? Recently, this writer ventured accompanied by two friends, each fellow ministers, to see a recently released film called I Swear. From the teaser, it was clear which the film centered on a man diagnosed with Tourette's. What I had not know turned out to be that this story chronicled a real person: the subject, that appeared in an earlier late eighties program who later earned a British Empire Medal for his work to educate people about this syndrome as well as assist others with TS.

Learning About Tourette Syndrome

Prior to this documentary, the majority did not been aware of the condition. Nearly four decades afterwards, people sort of recognizes its nature, but it’s still viewed as a joke – particularly within the comedy circuit.

From previews, it was evident which this movie intended to have its cake and eat it through simultaneously using the clear comic potential from a person yelling socially awkward phrases at unexpected moments and working to carry on the protagonist's work in promoting understanding through a tactful and considerate approach. Hopefully it’s not revealing too much to state it succeeded in achieving both goals – but naturally I only knew that after watching.

A Surprising Cinema Experience

As the movie commenced, a teenager seated in front from us unexpectedly exclaimed multiple profanities. At first, it seemed this was a joke – albeit a joke highly inappropriate. But, it was soon evident which here was a real-life person with Tourette syndrome: a young man accompanied by his dad.

While the story unfolded, so did the young man – and there was no obvious action from neither his father or anybody in the theater. This led to a bit conflicted. Obviously, it was a significant event for the boy and his father to see the certainly incredibly difficult daily reality portrayed in cinema, and I was pleased which they were having this experience. But was it OK if we and the entire audience in the auditorium could hardly hear the film because of this? Would the venue have been able to arrange a dedicated session – like most of the chains frequently offer for those with conditions usually?

A Personal Dilemma

It's regrettable to say that I really considered raising the issue – however, not to the boy’s father personally (I’m not an insensitive person), but to staff of the cinema. But, both of my evidently kinder fellow vicars seemed to have accepted with what was happening. Plus, I recalled was the admittedly fictional episode in the TV series where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman complains about a child causing a disturbance in a restaurant, not realizing that the child has Down’s syndrome. He endured the ensuing bad press – so my objection would have been far worse because I understood the individual could not was unable to control it.

A Profound Realization

Fortunately, my better nature won over then something extraordinary unfolded over the following film duration. Initially, I just adapted to the once-intrusive noise. Then, when the story approached its conclusion where we saw the deeply freeing influence which Davidson’s support groups have had for so many people, I experienced humbled as well as deeply honored to share this event with those who’d actually lived it not just portrayed on screen – even though Robert Aramayo’s performance as the character was superb , personally, award-worthy.

I have experienced similar experiences at the movies previously – viewing The King’s Speech with an acquaintance who stutters and his language pathologist spouse, alternatively encountering actual veterans from D-Day after the show after Saving Private Ryan – but this was on another level. It resembled an enhanced viewing, but instead of physical effects and splashes touching viewers, the people were sitting next to you declaring, “This goes beyond entertainment. This is my truth.” Then swearing. An example phrase.

An Uplifting Resolution

So I didn’t complain. When the credits rolled, I actually approached and expressed gratitude to the teenager – who was 14 – along with Mark, guardian, for the privilege of their presence, which without a doubt enhanced our viewing more meaningful than what we expected. Afterwards talked for a while then snapped a photo as a group – when we all yelled a curse to support the young man.

Final Thoughts

I would strongly encourage people to watch this brilliant movie and if the opportunity arises to be in the same theater with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim