Heard that story about the three pastors who ventured into the cinema – & were schooled a lesson about understanding?
Which activities might religious leaders engage in during their leisure hours? Not long ago, this writer ventured with two friends, both fellow pastors, to watch the recently released movie titled I Swear. Based on the teaser, I knew which the film focused on a man diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. What I had not understand was that it depicted an actual individual: the central character, that was featured in a 1989 documentary and was awarded a British Empire Medal for their campaigns to teach society regarding Tourette's as well as assist fellow sufferers.
Understanding Tourette's
Before that programme, most people hadn't been aware of TS. Nearly 40 years later, everybody generally recognizes what it is, but it’s still seen as a punchline – especially in stand-up comedy.
Based on the teaser, it seemed that the film was going to try to have its cake and eat it by simultaneously leveraging the undeniable humorous aspects from someone shouting highly offensive words during unexpected moments and working to continue the protagonist's mission of educating the public in a respectful and sensitive approach. I hope this isn't a spoiler to say it managed in achieving both goals – however obviously this realization came after watching.
An Unexpected Cinema Experience
As the feature commenced, a young man seated ahead from us abruptly exclaimed multiple curse words. At first, I thought it was a gag – although one quite offensive. However, it quickly became apparent which this was an actual individual with Tourette syndrome: an adolescent alongside his dad.
While the film unfolded, the same with the teenager – and there was no obvious intervention from neither his dad nor anyone among the viewers. I felt slightly torn. Clearly, it was a big deal for the boy and his father to experience their no doubt very tough life depicted in cinema, and I felt glad which they got that opportunity. Yet was it OK if I along with other viewers in the cinema struggled to follow the audio as a result? Could the theater not have put on a special screening – like several theaters frequently offer for neurodiverse people in general?
A Moral Struggle
I feel embarrassed to confess which I really thought about saying something – not to the parent personally (I’m not heartless), instead to staff of the cinema. However, each of my clearly more compassionate colleagues seemed to have resigned themselves to what was happening. Additionally, I recalled there was an admittedly fictional scene in Extras when a character's Andy Millman objects regarding a young person being disruptive in a restaurant, ignorant that the child has special needs. He endured the ensuing public criticism – so my objection might have been even more inappropriate since I was aware the teenager simply couldn’t help it.
An Eye-Opening Experience
Luckily, my better nature took over then an amazing thing happened over the following 90 minutes. First, I just got used to the initially distracting sounds. Later, as the film built to a peak and viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating impact which the protagonist's special programs provided for numerous individuals, I felt humbled and deeply honored to experience this event with those who’d actually lived it not only in a fictional setting – even though the lead actor's portrayal as Davidson was excellent and to this writer, award-worthy.
I’ve had analogous moments at the movies in the past – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a speech impediment and their language pathologist wife, or meeting actual veterans of World War II in the foyer after Saving Private Ryan – but this was far more impactful. It resembled an enhanced viewing, however rather than motion seats and water mists hitting you in the face, the individuals were present alongside stating, “This goes beyond a film. It’s my reality.” Then cursing. A memorable line.
A Positive Conclusion
So no complaint was made. When the credits rolled, I went so far as to spoke with the teenager – who was 14 – along with Mark, dad, for the privilege of sharing the space, which certainly enriched the film even more profound than it would have been. Next had a long chat and took a selfie together – when everyone present shouted an expletive alongside the boy.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend everyone to watch this remarkable movie and if you have the chance to be sharing the cinema with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim
