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What might religious leaders engage in during their own leisure hours? Recently, this writer ventured with a couple of companions, both fellow pastors, to see the new film called I Swear. From its trailer, I understood which it was about a man experiencing Tourette syndrome. However, what the author had not understand was that this story chronicled a real person: the subject, who appeared in a 1989 program and received a British Empire Medal in recognition of their campaigns to teach the public about Tourette's and support those affected.

Exploring Tourette Syndrome

Before that documentary, many individuals did not heard of the condition. Almost 40 years later, people sort of understands what it is, yet it is often treated as comic material – particularly in stand-up comedy.

Based on the trailer, it seemed which this movie was going to try to have its cake and eat it through both using the obvious humorous aspects from a person uttering the most inappropriate phrases at inopportune times while also attempting to continue Davidson’s efforts in educating the public in a tactful and considerate manner. Hopefully this isn't a spoiler to say it succeeded in achieving both goals – but naturally this became clear after watching.

An Unexpected Movie Encounter

As the film began, a teenager sitting in the row from us abruptly exclaimed a series of obscenities. For a minute, I thought it was a prank – although one quite offensive. However, it soon became clear which here was someone genuinely experiencing Tourette syndrome: a teenager alongside a parent.

And as the story continued, the same with the boy – with no visible intervention by neither the parent or anybody in the theater. I felt a bit torn. Obviously, this represented a big deal for this family to experience their undoubtedly incredibly difficult life depicted in cinema, and it was positive that they were having that opportunity. Yet was it acceptable that I and the entire audience in the cinema struggled to follow the dialogue due to the noise? Would the cinema not have organize an exclusive showing – as several theaters frequently offer for individuals with special needs in general?

An Ethical Struggle

I’m ashamed to admit which I really considered saying something – not to the parent himself (I’m not heartless), but to the manager of the theatre. But, both of the author's obviously more compassionate colleagues seemed to have accepted to what was happening. Moreover, lurking in my thoughts was the fictional yet memorable scene in the TV series where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman protests about a child causing a disturbance during a meal, ignorant which he has special needs. He barely survived the resultant bad press – so my complaint could have been far worse since I understood the individual literally had no choice.

A Profound Awakening

Luckily, my compassion won over and an amazing thing happened over the next 90 minutes. First, I simply became accustomed to the once-intrusive sounds. Later, as the movie reached its climax where viewers witnessed the profoundly empowering effect that Davidson’s special programs provided for numerous individuals, I felt modest and very privileged to be sharing this moment alongside individuals with firsthand knowledge not just in a fictional setting – although the lead actor's portrayal as the character was excellent and to this writer, deserving of recognition.

I have experienced similar experiences at the movies previously – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend with a stammer and their speech therapist spouse, or encountering actual veterans from D-Day in the lobby following Saving Private Ryan – but this was in a different league. It was like an enhanced viewing, however instead of the chairs moving about or water mists spraying the audience, the individuals were right alongside saying, “This is more than entertainment. It reflects my life.” Then swearing. An example phrase.

A Heartwarming Conclusion

Therefore no complaint was made. When the movie concluded, I actually went and thanked the young man – aged 14 – along with Mark, dad, for the privilege of their presence, that without a doubt enhanced our viewing deeper compared to a standard screening. We then conversed at length then snapped a photo together – during which everyone present yelled a curse to support the boy.

Closing Insights

I would strongly encourage all viewers to view this remarkable film , if you have the chance to end up in the same theater with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim