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Which activities might clergy members engage in during their own spare time? Not long ago, this writer went accompanied by two colleagues, both fellow pastors, to view the new film called I Swear. From the trailer, I understood that it centered on a person experiencing Tourette's. What the author had not understand was the fact this story chronicled a real person: the central character, who starred in an earlier 1989 documentary and earned a British Empire Medal for his campaigns to inform people regarding this syndrome and assist fellow sufferers.

Learning About TS

Before this documentary, most people had never known about TS. Almost four decades later, everybody generally recognizes the basics, yet it’s still viewed as a joke – especially in stand-up comedy.

Based on previews, it was evident that this movie aimed to balance by both leveraging the clear humorous aspects from a person shouting the most inappropriate phrases at unexpected moments and striving to continue the protagonist's work of educating the public through a tactful and considerate way. Hopefully it’s not revealing too much to state it was successful in both aspects – however obviously I only knew that after watching.

A Surprising Movie Encounter

As the movie began, a teenager sitting in front nearby abruptly yelled a series of obscenities. For a minute, I thought it was a gag – albeit one in very poor taste. Yet, it quickly became apparent which here was someone genuinely experiencing Tourette syndrome: a young man accompanied by his father.

While the story unfolded, so did the teenager – with no apparent response by neither his dad or anyone among the viewers. I felt slightly divided. Clearly, it was a big deal for this family to experience the certainly very tough existence depicted in cinema, and it was positive which they received this experience. Yet was it acceptable if we and the entire audience in the theater could hardly hear the audio due to the noise? Could the theater not have organize a special screening – as most of the chains frequently offer for those with conditions in general?

A Personal Struggle

I feel embarrassed to admit which I actually considered saying something – not directly to them himself (I am no heartless), but to staff of the cinema. But, both of my evidently more compassionate friends appeared to come to terms to the events. Plus, in the back of my mind was the fictional yet memorable scene in Extras where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman objects regarding a young person making too much noise in a restaurant, not realizing that he has Down’s syndrome. He endured the ensuing negative attention – and my offence might have been much more severe since I was aware the individual could not was unable to control it.

A Profound Experience

Thankfully, my better nature took over and an amazing thing happened during the following hour and a half. Initially, I just became accustomed to the once-intrusive utterances. Later, as the film reached its climax and viewers witnessed the profoundly empowering influence that the protagonist's support groups have had for so many people, I felt awed and extremely fortunate to share this event with people who had real experience not just as actors – although Robert Aramayo’s acting as the character was excellent , personally, deserving of recognition.

I’ve had analogous moments at the movies in the past – watching The King’s Speech with a friend with a stammer and his speech therapist wife, alternatively meeting actual veterans of the Normandy landings in the foyer following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was on another level. It resembled a 4D screening, however instead of the chairs moving about and splashes hitting you in the face, the people were present beside you saying, “This isn’t just a movie. This is my truth.” Then using foul language. A memorable line.

A Heartwarming Conclusion

So I didn’t complain. As the movie concluded, I actually approached and expressed gratitude to Joe – aged fourteen – along with his father, dad, for the gift of sharing the space, which certainly enhanced our viewing even more profound compared to a standard screening. Afterwards conversed at length and snapped a photo as a group – during which the group shouted an expletive in solidarity with the young man.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend all viewers to view this remarkable production and if the opportunity arises to be sharing the cinema with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim