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What might religious leaders participate in during their own leisure hours? Not long ago, this writer ventured with a couple of colleagues, both fellow vicars, to see a recently released picture called I Swear. From its teaser, I understood which the film was about a man experiencing Tourette syndrome. However, what I had not know was that it was based on an actual individual: John Davidson, who was featured in a previous late eighties documentary who later received a royal honor in recognition of their work to teach people about Tourette's as well as assist those affected.

Exploring Tourette Syndrome

Before that documentary, most people had never known about TS. Nearly 40 years since then, most individuals roughly knows what it is, yet it is often seen as comic material – particularly in the comedy circuit.

Based on the trailer, it was evident that this movie aimed to walk a fine line by simultaneously using the obvious humorous aspects from a person shouting the most inappropriate things during awkward situations and striving to further Davidson’s mission of raising awareness through a respectful and sensitive way. It is hoped it’s not a spoiler to mention it managed on both counts – however of course this realization came by the end.

An Unexpected Theater Incident

When the feature was starting, a youth sitting in the row from us suddenly yelled a series of curse words. At first, I thought this was a gag – although a joke quite offensive. Yet, it quickly became apparent that here was someone genuinely diagnosed with TS: a teenager accompanied by his father.

While the story progressed, so did the teenager – with no apparent intervention by either the parent or anybody in the theater. I felt somewhat torn. Obviously, this represented a significant event for them to experience the certainly very tough existence portrayed on the big screen, and I was pleased which they received this chance. But was it acceptable if I and the entire audience in the theater struggled to follow the audio due to the noise? Could the theater not have put on a special screening – like many cinemas frequently offer to individuals with special needs typically?

A Moral Struggle

I feel embarrassed to say that I genuinely contemplated saying something – not to the boy’s father himself (I am no an insensitive person), instead to staff of the theatre. Yet, both of my clearly more compassionate fellow vicars appeared to come to terms with what was happening. Additionally, in the back of my mind there was an imagined but impactful episode from the TV series where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman objects about a child being disruptive in public, unaware which the child has Down’s syndrome. He barely survived the subsequent negative attention – and my offence could have been even more inappropriate since I was aware the individual simply was unable to control it.

A Profound Experience

Luckily, my conscience won over and a remarkable event occurred over the next hour and a half. First, I gradually became accustomed to the previously bothersome noise. Later, as the film approached its conclusion and we saw the incredibly liberating effect which Davidson’s support groups have had on many participants, I experienced humbled as well as extremely fortunate to share this moment with those who had real experience not just in a fictional setting – even though Robert Aramayo’s portrayal as the character was superb and personally, deserving of recognition.

I have experienced similar experiences while watching films before – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a speech impediment and their language pathologist wife, or encountering real ex-soldiers from D-Day after the show following Saving Private Ryan – yet that experience was on another level. It resembled an immersive experience, however rather than the chairs moving about or water mists spraying the audience, the characters were sitting alongside saying, “This is more than a movie. This is my truth.” And then using foul language. Spunk for milk.

An Uplifting Resolution

Therefore I didn’t complain. As the movie concluded, I actually went and thanked Joe – who was fourteen – and Mark, his father, for the gift of sharing the space, that without a doubt enhanced our viewing even more profound than what we expected. We then conversed at length then snapped a photo with everyone – at that moment everyone present yelled an expletive to support the boy.

Closing Insights

It is urged that all viewers to go and see this excellent movie and should you’re lucky enough to end up in the same theater with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim