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Which activities might clergy members do during their spare time? Recently, this writer ventured accompanied by a couple of colleagues, each other vicars, to view the recently released film named I Swear. From the teaser, it was clear that the film was about a person living with Tourette syndrome. However, what I had not realize turned out to be that this story depicted an actual individual: John Davidson, that was featured in a previous 1989 documentary and was awarded a British Empire Medal for his efforts to educate society regarding this syndrome and help others with TS.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Before this programme, the majority did not been aware of the condition. Nearly four decades later, most individuals roughly knows what it is, but it remains seen as comic material – particularly within the comedy circuit.

From the teaser, it seemed which the film intended to have its cake and eat it by both leveraging the clear comic potential from someone shouting socially awkward phrases at awkward situations and striving to continue Davidson’s work in raising awareness in a respectful and sensitive manner. It is hoped it’s not revealing too much to mention it managed in both aspects – however of course this became clear after watching.

A Startling Movie Encounter

As the film was starting, a young man sitting in front nearby unexpectedly exclaimed multiple profanities. At first, it appeared it was a joke – albeit a joke quite offensive. But, it quickly became apparent that this was a real-life person experiencing Tourette syndrome: an adolescent accompanied by his father.

While the movie continued, so did the teenager – and there was no visible response by either his dad nor anyone among the viewers. This led to slightly torn. Clearly, it was an important moment for this family to experience their certainly incredibly difficult daily reality portrayed in a film, and I was pleased which they received this chance. Yet was it acceptable that we and everyone else in the auditorium could barely understand the dialogue as a result? Could the venue not have organize a special screening – as several theaters often provide to individuals with special needs usually?

An Ethical Conflict

I feel embarrassed to admit that I actually considered saying something – not directly to them personally (I’m not heartless), instead to the manager of the theatre. However, both of my obviously kinder fellow vicars had accepted to what was happening. Additionally, I recalled there was an admittedly fictional scene in Extras when Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman protests regarding a young person causing a disturbance in a restaurant, ignorant which he has a genetic condition. He barely survived the resultant bad press – and my complaint might have been far worse because I was aware the boy literally couldn’t help it.

A Profound Awakening

Luckily, my better nature prevailed then a remarkable event happened over the next film duration. Initially, I simply got used to the initially distracting utterances. Later, when the story approached its conclusion and the audience observed the deeply freeing impact that the protagonist's Tourette’s camps offered on numerous individuals, I felt awed as well as very privileged to share this moment with people with firsthand knowledge not only portrayed on screen – although Robert Aramayo’s performance as the character was excellent and personally, award-worthy.

There have been analogous moments while watching films previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside a friend with a speech impediment and his language pathologist spouse, or encountering former servicemen from D-Day in the lobby following Saving Private Ryan – but this was in a different league. It felt like a 4D screening, but rather than motion seats and sprays of water hitting you in the face, the people were right next to you declaring, “This is more than a movie. It’s my reality.” Then using foul language. An example phrase.

A Heartwarming Conclusion

Therefore I refrained from objecting. As the film ended, I even went and thanked the young man – who was fourteen – along with the parent, his father, for the honor of being there, which certainly enriched the film more meaningful compared to it would have been. Next had a long chat and took a selfie as a group – during which the group shouted a rude word to support the boy.

Closing Insights

I highly recommend all viewers to go and see this brilliant film , should you’re lucky enough to find yourself sharing the cinema with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim