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Which activities might vicars participate in during their own free time? Recently, this writer went accompanied by a couple of colleagues, each other ministers, to view the recently released film called I Swear. Based on its preview, I knew that the film focused on an individual diagnosed with Tourette's. What the author didn’t understand turned out to be the fact it was based on a real person: the subject, who was featured in a previous 1989 program and earned a royal honor for his work to teach society regarding Tourette's and support others with TS.

Understanding Tourette's

Prior to that film, most people hadn't heard of the condition. Nearly four decades since then, everybody sort of understands the basics, but it’s still treated as comic material – notably on comedy shows.

From previews, it appeared that the film intended to walk a fine line by simultaneously using the clear comic potential from a person yelling socially awkward words during awkward situations and striving to carry on the protagonist's mission in promoting understanding in a tactful and considerate manner. It is hoped this isn't a spoiler to state it succeeded on both counts – but of course this realization came once the film concluded.

A Surprising Movie Encounter

As the feature commenced, a youth sitting ahead nearby suddenly yelled multiple obscenities. At first, it appeared it was a joke – albeit one in very poor taste. But, it quickly became apparent that here was an actual individual with TS: an adolescent with his dad.

And as the film continued, the same with the young man – with no visible intervention from neither his dad nor anybody among the viewers. This led to a bit divided. Obviously, this represented an important moment for them to watch their no doubt very tough daily reality depicted in cinema, and it was positive that they got this experience. Yet was it fair if I and the entire audience in the theater could hardly hear the film because of this? Could the theater not have organize a special screening – like most of the chains regularly do to those with conditions usually?

An Ethical Conflict

I’m ashamed to say that I genuinely thought about complaining – not to the boy’s father himself (I’m not heartless), but to the theater management at the venue. But, both of my evidently more compassionate friends appeared to resigned themselves with the events. Additionally, lurking in my thoughts there was an admittedly fictional episode in the TV series where a character's Andy Millman protests regarding a young person being disruptive in a restaurant, unaware which the child has special needs. He endured the ensuing bad press – and my offence might have been far worse since I was aware the individual simply was unable to control it.

An Eye-Opening Experience

Thankfully, my compassion prevailed then an amazing thing happened over the next 90 minutes. First, I just got used to the initially distracting noise. Later, as the film built to a peak where viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating impact that Davidson’s support groups offered for numerous individuals, I felt humbled and deeply honored to be sharing this event with people who had real experience not only in a fictional setting – although the lead actor's acting in the role was excellent and to this writer, award-worthy.

I have experienced similar experiences while watching films previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside a friend with a speech impediment and his speech therapist wife, or encountering actual veterans from D-Day in the lobby following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was in a different league. It was like an enhanced viewing, however instead of motion seats and water mists hitting you in the face, the characters were right next to you saying, “This isn’t just a movie. It reflects my life.” Then cursing. A memorable line.

A Heartwarming Resolution

So I refrained from objecting. When the movie concluded, I even spoke with the young man – who was fourteen – and his father, his father, for the privilege of their presence, which undoubtedly made our experience even more profound compared to it would have been. We then talked for a while and snapped a photo together – during which we all yelled an expletive alongside Joe.

Closing Insights

I would strongly encourage everyone to view this brilliant film and if you have the chance to be sharing the cinema with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim