Heard the one about the 3 pastors who went to the film house – & were taught a lesson on acceptance?
Which activities do clergy members do during their free time? Last week, I ventured accompanied by two companions, both other pastors, to see a new movie called I Swear. Based on the trailer, it was clear which it focused on a person diagnosed with Tourette's. What I didn’t know turned out to be that this story depicted an actual individual: the central character, that starred in a late eighties documentary and earned a British Empire Medal in recognition of their work to inform the public regarding this syndrome as well as assist those affected.
Understanding TS
Prior to this programme, most people had never known about TS. Nearly 40 years afterwards, everybody roughly recognizes the basics, yet it remains seen as a joke – especially in the comedy circuit.
From the teaser, it appeared which this movie intended to balance through simultaneously using the obvious humorous aspects from a person yelling the most inappropriate words during awkward situations and working to carry on the protagonist's efforts in promoting understanding in a compassionate manner. It is hoped it’s not revealing too much to mention it succeeded in achieving both goals – however naturally I only knew that after watching.
An Unexpected Theater Incident
When the film began, a young man seated in front from us abruptly shouted out multiple profanities. Initially, I thought this was a gag – albeit one highly inappropriate. But, it soon became clear which here was a real-life person with TS: a young man with a parent.
While the story continued, the same with the boy – with no obvious action by neither his dad or anybody among the viewers. This led to slightly torn. Obviously, this represented a big deal for them to see the certainly incredibly difficult daily reality shown on the big screen, and it was positive which they were having this experience. Yet was it acceptable that I along with other viewers in the theater could barely understand the audio because of this? Could the cinema have been able to organize a special screening – like many cinemas frequently offer for individuals with special needs typically?
A Moral Dilemma
I’m ashamed to confess which I really thought about complaining – not to the parent himself (I am no a monster), but to the manager of the cinema. Yet, both of my evidently more charitable fellow vicars seemed to have accepted with what was happening. Additionally, in the back of my mind was the imagined but impactful scene from the TV series where a character's the protagonist complains regarding a child causing a disturbance in public, ignorant that the child has a genetic condition. He endured the resultant public criticism – and my complaint could have been far worse because I knew the individual could not couldn’t help it.
A Transformative Experience
Thankfully, my better nature won over then something extraordinary occurred over the next 90 minutes. First, I simply got used to the previously bothersome sounds. Then, when the movie reached its climax where we saw the incredibly liberating influence that the protagonist's Tourette’s camps have had for numerous individuals, I felt awed as well as very privileged to experience this time alongside individuals who had real experience not only as actors – although the lead actor's acting as Davidson was superb , to this writer, award-worthy.
There have been comparable situations while watching films previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance who stutters and his language pathologist wife, alternatively bumping into real ex-soldiers from D-Day in the foyer following Saving Private Ryan – yet that experience was far more impactful. It resembled an enhanced viewing, but rather than motion seats or sprays of water hitting you in the face, the individuals were right next to you stating, “This goes beyond a movie. It’s my reality.” Then swearing. A memorable line.
An Uplifting Conclusion
Therefore I didn’t complain. When the movie concluded, I even spoke with the teenager – aged fourteen – along with his father, guardian, for the honor of being there, which undoubtedly enriched the film more meaningful compared to what we expected. Afterwards conversed at length and snapped a photo as a group – at that moment the group exclaimed a rude word alongside the young man.
Final Thoughts
I would strongly encourage everyone to go and see this brilliant production and if you’re lucky enough to find yourself watching alongside with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim
