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Which activities might clergy members engage in in their own leisure hours? Recently, I ventured with two colleagues, each other ministers, to see a new picture called I Swear. From the teaser, it was clear which it centered on an individual diagnosed with TS. What the author had not know turned out to be the fact this story was based on an actual individual: the subject, that was featured in a previous late eighties film who later was awarded a royal honor in recognition of their work to educate society regarding the condition and support fellow sufferers.

Understanding TS

Prior to that programme, most people hadn't been aware of TS. Nearly four decades later, people roughly understands what it is, but it remains treated as a punchline – especially within the comedy circuit.

From the trailer, it was evident that the production intended to balance by both using the undeniable comic potential from a person uttering the most inappropriate things during awkward situations and working to continue Davidson’s mission of educating the public in a tactful and considerate manner. I hope this isn't a spoiler to state it managed on both counts – but of course this realization came by the end.

An Unexpected Theater Incident

When the film began, a teenager seated in the row of us abruptly yelled multiple curse words. Initially, I thought this was a prank – although a joke highly inappropriate. Yet, it was soon evident which here was an actual individual with Tourette syndrome: a young man alongside his father.

While the film continued, so did the boy – and there was no visible intervention by either his father or anybody in the theater. I felt somewhat torn. Obviously, this represented a significant event for the boy and his father to see the no doubt incredibly difficult life depicted on the big screen, and it was positive which they were having this chance. But was it OK that we along with other viewers in the auditorium could hardly hear the dialogue as a result? Could the venue not have put on a dedicated session – as several theaters regularly do to those with conditions usually?

A Moral Struggle

I’m ashamed to say which I really considered saying something – however, not to the parent personally (I’m not an insensitive person), but to the theater management of the theatre. But, both of the author's evidently more compassionate colleagues seemed to have resigned themselves with what was happening. Additionally, I recalled was the admittedly fictional episode from the TV series where a character's Andy Millman objects about a child making too much noise during a meal, ignorant which the child has special needs. He endured the subsequent bad press – so my offence would have been even more inappropriate because I understood the boy could not was unable to control it.

An Eye-Opening Realization

Fortunately, my conscience won over then something extraordinary unfolded during the following hour and a half. First, I simply became accustomed to the initially distracting noise. Later, when the film built to a peak and viewers witnessed the deeply freeing impact that the protagonist's Tourette’s camps provided for many participants, I felt modest and extremely fortunate to share this moment alongside individuals who had real experience not just as actors – even though Robert Aramayo’s portrayal in the role was superb , to this writer, deserving of recognition.

I have experienced comparable situations in the cinema before – watching The King’s Speech with an acquaintance with a stammer and his speech therapist spouse, or meeting real ex-soldiers from D-Day after the show following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was far more impactful. It was like an immersive experience, however instead of motion seats and water mists hitting you in the face, the characters were sitting alongside stating, “This isn’t just entertainment. This is my truth.” Then using foul language. A memorable line.

An Uplifting Conclusion

Therefore no complaint was made. As the film ended, I went so far as to approached and expressed gratitude to the teenager – who was 14 – and the parent, dad, for the privilege of their presence, which without a doubt enhanced our viewing deeper than what we expected. Next talked for a while then snapped a photo with everyone – during which we all yelled an expletive alongside Joe.

Key Takeaways

I highly recommend all viewers to watch this remarkable production and should the opportunity arises to end up watching alongside with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim