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What do religious leaders engage in during their own spare time? Not long ago, I ventured accompanied by a couple of friends, each fellow ministers, to watch the new picture called I Swear. Based on the preview, I understood that it centered on a man living with Tourette syndrome. What I had not realize turned out to be that this story chronicled a real person: John Davidson, who was featured in an earlier late eighties documentary and earned a British Empire Medal for his work to teach society about Tourette's and support fellow sufferers.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Prior to that documentary, many individuals had never known about Tourette syndrome. Almost four decades afterwards, everybody roughly recognizes its nature, yet it’s still seen as comic material – notably in the comedy circuit.

From the trailer, it appeared which the film aimed to balance through both leveraging the undeniable comic potential from a person shouting highly offensive phrases at awkward situations and striving to carry on Davidson’s work of promoting understanding through a compassionate manner. It is hoped this isn't a spoiler to state it managed in achieving both goals – however obviously this realization came by the end.

A Startling Cinema Experience

As the movie was starting, a young man sitting in the row from us unexpectedly yelled a series of profanities. For a minute, it seemed it was a prank – although a joke in very poor taste. Yet, it was soon evident that this was a real-life person with Tourette's: a young man with his dad.

While the film unfolded, so did the boy – with no obvious action by either the parent nor anybody in the theater. This led to a bit torn. Obviously, it was a significant event for them to watch their undoubtedly very tough daily reality portrayed in a film, and I was pleased that they got this chance. But was it acceptable if I and the entire audience in the auditorium could barely understand the dialogue because of this? Could the venue have been able to put on a special screening – as many cinemas frequently offer to those with conditions in general?

An Ethical Struggle

It's regrettable to admit that I actually considered saying something – however, not to the boy’s father personally (I’m not a monster), instead to the theater management at the venue. However, each of the author's obviously more compassionate colleagues appeared to accepted with the events. Additionally, lurking in my thoughts was the fictional yet memorable episode from Extras where a character's Andy Millman complains about a young person causing a disturbance during a meal, unaware which he has a genetic condition. He endured the resultant public criticism – and my offence could have been much more severe because I was aware the teenager simply was unable to control it.

An Eye-Opening Awakening

Luckily, my better nature took over then a remarkable event unfolded during the following film duration. Initially, I simply adapted to the previously bothersome sounds. Then, as the movie approached its conclusion where viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating influence which the protagonist's special programs have had on so many people, I felt modest and very privileged to be sharing this event with people with firsthand knowledge not just as actors – although the lead actor's acting in the role was excellent , personally, award-worthy.

I’ve had similar experiences while watching films previously – watching The King’s Speech with a friend with a speech impediment and their language pathologist spouse, alternatively meeting real ex-soldiers of the Normandy landings in the foyer after Saving Private Ryan – yet this was in a different league. It felt like a 4D screening, however instead of the chairs moving about and splashes spraying the audience, the people were present next to you stating, “This is more than a movie. It’s my reality.” And then using foul language. Spunk for milk.

A Positive Resolution

Therefore I refrained from objecting. As the credits rolled, I actually spoke with the young man – aged 14 – along with Mark, guardian, for the privilege of sharing the space, that certainly enhanced our viewing more meaningful compared to what we expected. We then had a long chat then snapped a photo as a group – during which everyone present shouted an expletive to support the boy.

Closing Insights

I would strongly encourage all viewers to go and see this excellent production , if you have the chance to be watching alongside with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim