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What do clergy members do in their own spare time? Recently, I ventured accompanied by two companions, both other pastors, to watch the new picture called I Swear. From the teaser, it was clear that the film focused on an individual diagnosed with TS. However, what the author didn’t know was the fact this story was based on a real person: the subject, who starred in an earlier late eighties program who later earned a British Empire Medal in recognition of their campaigns to educate people about this syndrome as well as assist those affected.

Understanding TS

Before that documentary, many individuals did not known about the condition. Nearly 40 years later, most individuals generally knows its nature, but it is often treated as a punchline – notably in the comedy circuit.

From the trailer, it appeared which the production was going to try to walk a fine line by both capitalising on the clear humorous aspects from someone shouting highly offensive words at unexpected moments while also striving to continue Davidson’s mission of raising awareness through a respectful and sensitive approach. I hope this isn't revealing too much to mention it succeeded in both aspects – however of course this became clear by the end.

A Startling Theater Incident

When the feature began, a young man sitting in front of us suddenly yelled a series of obscenities. Initially, it appeared this was a gag – although one in very poor taste. But, it soon became clear which here was someone genuinely experiencing Tourette syndrome: an adolescent with a parent.

While the story unfolded, so did the boy – with no visible intervention from either his father nor anyone in the theater. This led to somewhat torn. Obviously, this represented an important moment for the boy and his father to experience the undoubtedly extremely challenging existence portrayed on the big screen, and it was positive that they got this chance. But was it fair if we and everyone else in the auditorium could hardly hear the audio because of this? Would the theater not have arrange an exclusive showing – as most of the chains often provide to those with conditions typically?

An Ethical Struggle

I feel embarrassed to confess which I genuinely thought about raising the issue – not directly to them personally (I am no an insensitive person), instead to the theater management of the cinema. Yet, both of the author's evidently kinder colleagues appeared to accepted with the events. Plus, lurking in my thoughts there was an imagined but impactful episode in the TV series when a character's the protagonist complains regarding a young person making too much noise in public, ignorant that the child has special needs. He barely survived the ensuing public criticism – and my complaint could have been even more inappropriate because I was aware the teenager could not had no choice.

A Profound Realization

Luckily, my compassion won over and something extraordinary unfolded over the following 90 minutes. First, I gradually got used to the initially distracting sounds. Later, as the story approached its conclusion where viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating influence which Davidson’s special programs provided on numerous individuals, I felt modest as well as deeply honored to be sharing this time with those who’d actually lived it not just in a fictional setting – although the lead actor's portrayal in the role was superb , to this writer, Oscar-caliber.

I’ve had similar experiences at the movies in the past – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend who stutters and his language pathologist wife, or encountering real ex-soldiers of World War II after the show following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was on another level. It was like an immersive experience, however instead of motion seats or water mists spraying the audience, the individuals were sitting next to you saying, “This goes beyond a movie. It’s my reality.” Then cursing. A memorable line.

A Positive Resolution

So I didn’t complain. As the movie concluded, I went so far as to approached and expressed gratitude to Joe – who was 14 – and his father, guardian, for the privilege of sharing the space, that certainly made our experience deeper than it would have been. Next had a long chat then captured a memory with everyone – when we all shouted an expletive in solidarity with Joe.

Final Thoughts

I would strongly encourage everyone to watch this remarkable production , should you have the chance to end up in the same theater with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim