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Which activities might clergy members engage in in their spare time? Not long ago, this writer ventured accompanied by two friends, each fellow ministers, to view the recently released movie titled I Swear. From its preview, it was clear which it focused on a person living with Tourette's. However, what the author had not understand turned out to be that it was based on a real person: John Davidson, that was featured in a previous 1989 film and was awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of their work to inform the public about this syndrome as well as assist fellow sufferers.

Exploring Tourette's

Before this documentary, the majority hadn't known about TS. Almost 40 years afterwards, people generally understands what it is, but it’s still treated as comic material – notably within stand-up comedy.

Based on previews, it was evident which the film aimed to have its cake and eat it by both capitalising on the clear comic potential of someone yelling socially awkward things during inopportune times and attempting to further Davidson’s mission of educating the public in a tactful and considerate approach. Hopefully this isn't revealing too much to say it succeeded on both counts – but naturally this became clear once the film concluded.

An Unexpected Cinema Experience

As the movie was starting, a young man seated in front of us suddenly yelled multiple curse words. For a minute, it seemed it was a prank – albeit a joke in very poor taste. But, it was soon evident which here was an actual individual diagnosed with TS: a young man with a parent.

And as the movie continued, so did the teenager – and there was no obvious intervention from neither his father nor anybody among the viewers. This led to somewhat divided. Undoubtedly, it was an important moment for them to experience the certainly incredibly difficult existence depicted in cinema, so it was positive that they were having that opportunity. But was it fair if I and the entire audience in the theater struggled to follow the dialogue due to the noise? Would the cinema not have organize a dedicated session – like several theaters frequently offer for those with conditions usually?

An Ethical Conflict

I’m ashamed to say that I genuinely contemplated raising the issue – not directly to them personally (I am no heartless), but to the manager of the cinema. However, each of the author's clearly more charitable fellow vicars seemed to have accepted to the events. Moreover, in the back of my mind there was an fictional yet memorable episode in the TV series where a character's the protagonist protests regarding a young person causing a disturbance in public, not realizing that the child has a genetic condition. He barely survived the resultant bad press – and my objection would have been far worse because I knew the boy literally had no choice.

A Profound Experience

Fortunately, my conscience won over then a remarkable event happened during the next hour and a half. Initially, I just adapted to the initially distracting sounds. Later, as the movie approached its conclusion where viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating impact which Davidson’s special programs provided for so many people, I experienced awed as well as deeply honored to experience this time with people who had real experience not just as actors – even though the lead actor's portrayal as Davidson stood out , to this writer, deserving of recognition.

I’ve had similar experiences at the movies previously – watching The King’s Speech with an acquaintance who stutters and their language pathologist wife, alternatively bumping into former servicemen of World War II after the show following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was in a different league. It felt like an immersive experience, but rather than physical effects or water mists touching viewers, the individuals were right alongside declaring, “This isn’t just entertainment. This is my truth.” Then swearing. Spunk for milk.

An Uplifting Resolution

Therefore no complaint was made. When the film ended, I even spoke with Joe – aged fourteen – along with Mark, guardian, for the privilege of being there, which undoubtedly enhanced our viewing even more profound compared to what we expected. Afterwards talked for a while then took a selfie together – during which we all yelled an expletive alongside the young man.

Final Thoughts

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