What might clergy members do during their free time? Not long ago, I went with a couple of friends, each fellow pastors, to view the new picture called I Swear. Based on its teaser, I understood that it centered on an individual experiencing TS. What I didn’t know was that it was based on a true-life figure: the subject, who was featured in an earlier late eighties film who later was awarded a royal honor for their efforts to educate people regarding Tourette's as well as assist others with TS.
Learning About TS
Before this film, the majority had never heard of the condition. Nearly four decades afterwards, people roughly knows the basics, but it’s still treated as a punchline – notably on comedy shows.
From the teaser, it was evident that the production was going to try to walk a fine line through simultaneously capitalising on the obvious comic potential from someone shouting the most inappropriate words during inopportune times while also attempting to further Davidson’s work in educating the public in a compassionate manner. It is hoped it’s not revealing too much to mention it succeeded in both aspects – but of course I only knew that once the film concluded.
A Startling Cinema Experience
When the movie was starting, a young man sitting ahead from us unexpectedly exclaimed a series of obscenities. At first, it appeared it was a gag – albeit a joke in very poor taste. Yet, it quickly became apparent which here was someone genuinely experiencing TS: an adolescent with his dad.
While the story unfolded, the same with the boy – with no obvious response by neither the parent or anyone in the audience. This led to somewhat divided. Undoubtedly, this represented a significant event for this family to see their no doubt very tough existence shown on the big screen, and it was positive which they were having this experience. But was it acceptable if we and the entire audience in the cinema could barely understand the audio because of this? Would the theater have been able to put on a dedicated session – as many cinemas often provide for those with conditions in general?
A Personal Conflict
I feel embarrassed to admit that I actually considered complaining – not to the boy’s father personally (I’m not heartless), but to the theater management at the venue. Yet, each of the author's obviously kinder fellow vicars appeared to accepted with the situation. Plus, I recalled there was an admittedly fictional episode in the TV series where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman complains about a child making too much noise in a restaurant, unaware which the child has special needs. He faced backlash the resultant public criticism – so my complaint might have been much more severe since I understood the boy could not had no choice.
An Eye-Opening Realization
Fortunately, my conscience prevailed and a remarkable event occurred over the following film duration. First, I just became accustomed to the initially distracting utterances. Later, as the film approached its conclusion and viewers witnessed the profoundly empowering effect that Davidson’s special programs provided on numerous individuals, I felt modest and extremely fortunate to be sharing this time with people with firsthand knowledge not only in a fictional setting – even though the lead actor's acting in the role was superb and personally, award-worthy.
There have been analogous moments at the movies previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a stammer and his language pathologist wife, alternatively meeting real ex-soldiers from D-Day after the show after Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was far more impactful. It was like a 4D screening, but instead of physical effects or splashes hitting you in the face, the people were right beside you declaring, “This is more than a film. It reflects my life.” And then swearing. A memorable line.
A Heartwarming Resolution
So I refrained from objecting. As the credits rolled, I went so far as to approached and expressed gratitude to Joe – aged 14 – along with the parent, guardian, for the gift of their presence, which undoubtedly enriched the film even more profound compared to it would have been. Next had a long chat and captured a memory together – at that moment the group shouted an expletive to support Joe.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend all viewers to watch this excellent film , if the opportunity arises to be sharing the cinema with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim
