Heard that story concerning those three clergymen who went into a movie theater – and were schooled an important insight about understanding?
Which activities do clergy members do during their free time? Recently, I went with a couple of friends, each fellow pastors, to watch a recently released movie titled I Swear. Based on the trailer, it was clear that it was about a person diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. However, what I had not understand turned out to be the fact it was based on a true-life figure: John Davidson, that was featured in an earlier late eighties film and received a royal honor for his work to educate the public regarding the condition and assist those affected.
Learning About TS
Prior to that film, the majority hadn't heard of Tourette syndrome. Almost four decades afterwards, people roughly understands its nature, yet it remains viewed as a punchline – particularly in stand-up comedy.
From previews, it seemed that the production aimed to have its cake and eat it through simultaneously using the obvious funny moments from a person shouting the most inappropriate things during inopportune times and working to further Davidson’s efforts of raising awareness in a tactful and considerate approach. It is hoped this isn't a spoiler to say it succeeded in achieving both goals – however obviously this realization came once the film concluded.
A Surprising Movie Encounter
When the movie began, a youth sitting in front from us suddenly shouted out a string of curse words. At first, it appeared this was a prank – albeit a joke quite offensive. Yet, it quickly became apparent that here was an actual individual experiencing Tourette's: an adolescent alongside his father.
And as the story continued, the same with the young man – with no apparent action by either his father nor anyone among the viewers. I felt slightly conflicted. Undoubtedly, it was a significant event for them to see their certainly extremely challenging life shown on the big screen, so I felt glad which they got this experience. Yet was it fair that I along with other viewers in the theater could hardly hear the film as a result? Would the theater not have organize an exclusive showing – as many cinemas often provide for individuals with special needs usually?
An Ethical Struggle
I’m ashamed to say which I really contemplated raising the issue – however, not to the boy’s father personally (I am no an insensitive person), instead to staff at the venue. But, both of my clearly kinder colleagues had resigned themselves to the situation. Moreover, in the back of my mind was the admittedly fictional scene from the TV series when Ricky Gervais’s the protagonist protests about a young person causing a disturbance in a restaurant, not realizing which he has Down’s syndrome. He faced backlash the resultant bad press – so my objection might have been far worse because I was aware the boy literally had no choice.
An Eye-Opening Realization
Luckily, my compassion took over then something extraordinary unfolded during the following 90 minutes. Initially, I gradually got used to the previously bothersome utterances. Later, when the story built to a peak and the audience observed the incredibly liberating impact that the protagonist's Tourette’s camps offered for so many people, I felt modest and very privileged to experience this event alongside individuals with firsthand knowledge not just portrayed on screen – even though Robert Aramayo’s acting in the role stood out and to this writer, award-worthy.
I have experienced similar experiences at the movies previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside a friend with a speech impediment and his language pathologist wife, alternatively meeting actual veterans of the Normandy landings in the foyer after Saving Private Ryan – but this was in a different league. It resembled a 4D screening, however instead of motion seats or sprays of water touching viewers, the characters were right beside you declaring, “This isn’t just entertainment. This is my truth.” Then using foul language. An example phrase.
A Heartwarming Outcome
Therefore no complaint was made. When the film ended, I even approached and expressed gratitude to the young man – who was fourteen – and the parent, dad, for the honor of sharing the space, that without a doubt enriched the film even more profound than it would have been. Next conversed at length and took a selfie together – when we all shouted an expletive to support Joe.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend people to go and see this excellent film and should the opportunity arises to be in the same theater with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim
