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What do religious leaders engage in during their spare time? Not long ago, this writer went with a couple of friends, each other vicars, to watch a recently released film named I Swear. Based on the teaser, I understood that it was about a man experiencing Tourette's. However, what the author had not understand was that it depicted an actual individual: the subject, that appeared in a 1989 film who later received a royal honor for their work to inform people regarding the condition and support those affected.

Learning About Tourette Syndrome

Before that film, most people did not been aware of TS. Nearly 40 years since then, most individuals sort of understands its nature, but it remains treated as a joke – especially on the comedy circuit.

Based on the trailer, it was evident which the film aimed to balance through both capitalising on the clear humorous aspects of a person uttering highly offensive phrases at inopportune times and attempting to continue Davidson’s work of raising awareness in a tactful and considerate manner. I hope it’s not a spoiler to say it managed in both aspects – however obviously this realization came by the end.

A Startling Cinema Experience

When the feature began, a young man sitting in the row from us unexpectedly shouted out a series of obscenities. Initially, it seemed this was a prank – although a joke highly inappropriate. Yet, it soon became clear that here was someone genuinely diagnosed with Tourette's: a young man alongside his father.

And as the film unfolded, so did the boy – with no visible intervention by either the parent or anyone among the viewers. This led to slightly torn. Clearly, this represented a significant event for them to experience the undoubtedly very tough life depicted on the big screen, so I felt glad that they received that opportunity. But was it OK if we along with other viewers in the theater struggled to follow the dialogue as a result? Could the venue have been able to organize a special screening – like many cinemas frequently offer to individuals with special needs in general?

A Personal Dilemma

It's regrettable to confess that I genuinely considered complaining – however, not to the boy’s father personally (I’m not heartless), but to the theater management of the cinema. Yet, both of my evidently more compassionate colleagues appeared to resigned themselves with the situation. Plus, lurking in my thoughts was the imagined but impactful incident from the TV series where Ricky Gervais’s the protagonist objects about a young person being disruptive in public, not realizing that he has special needs. He faced backlash the resultant public criticism – and my complaint would have been far worse since I knew the teenager could not had no choice.

An Eye-Opening Awakening

Thankfully, my compassion took over and an amazing thing occurred during the next film duration. Initially, I gradually became accustomed to the previously bothersome noise. Later, as the film built to a peak where viewers witnessed the deeply freeing effect which the protagonist's support groups have had for so many people, I felt awed as well as very privileged to experience this time with those who’d actually lived it not only in a fictional setting – although the lead actor's portrayal as the character was excellent , to this writer, award-worthy.

I have experienced similar experiences at the movies previously – viewing The King’s Speech with an acquaintance with a speech impediment and his language pathologist wife, or encountering real ex-soldiers of the Normandy landings in the foyer following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was on another level. It felt like an enhanced viewing, however instead of the chairs moving about or splashes spraying the audience, the people were right alongside stating, “This goes beyond entertainment. It’s my reality.” And then cursing. An example phrase.

A Positive Resolution

Therefore I didn’t complain. As the movie concluded, I even spoke with Joe – who was 14 – and the parent, his father, for the gift of sharing the space, which undoubtedly made our experience even more profound compared to a standard screening. We then talked for a while then snapped a photo together – during which everyone present shouted a rude word to support Joe.

Key Takeaways

I would strongly encourage people to view this remarkable movie and if you’re lucky enough to be sharing the cinema with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim