Heard the tale about the three vicars that ventured to a movie theater – and got schooled an important insight about understanding?
What do vicars do in their leisure hours? Last week, this writer ventured with two colleagues, both other ministers, to see a recently released film called I Swear. From the trailer, it was clear that the film was about a man experiencing Tourette's. What I had not know was the fact it was based on a real person: John Davidson, who starred in an earlier 1989 documentary and received a British Empire Medal for his efforts to teach people about this syndrome and assist those affected.
Understanding TS
Before this programme, the majority hadn't heard of Tourette syndrome. Nearly four decades since then, people sort of understands the basics, yet it remains treated as comic material – particularly within the comedy circuit.
From previews, it was evident that the production was going to try to have its cake and eat it through simultaneously using the clear funny moments from someone shouting the most inappropriate phrases during unexpected moments while also attempting to further Davidson’s mission of raising awareness through a respectful and sensitive manner. I hope this isn't revealing too much to state it managed in both aspects – but naturally this realization came after watching.
A Startling Theater Incident
As the feature began, a youth seated ahead nearby abruptly yelled a string of profanities. At first, it appeared this was a prank – albeit one quite offensive. Yet, it was soon evident which here was an actual individual experiencing Tourette syndrome: a teenager accompanied by a parent.
While the movie unfolded, so did the teenager – with no obvious response by neither the parent or anyone among the viewers. This led to somewhat divided. Undoubtedly, it was a significant event for them to watch the no doubt extremely challenging daily reality shown in cinema, so I was pleased which they received this chance. But was it fair if we and the entire audience in the theater could hardly hear the audio because of this? Could the venue not have put on a special screening – as many cinemas often provide to neurodiverse people usually?
A Personal Conflict
It's regrettable to say which I genuinely contemplated complaining – not directly to them himself (I am no an insensitive person), but to staff of the cinema. But, each of the author's clearly kinder friends had resigned themselves to the events. Additionally, in the back of my mind was the admittedly fictional scene from the TV series where a character's the protagonist protests about a child making too much noise in public, unaware that he has a genetic condition. He faced backlash the subsequent bad press – so my complaint might have been even more inappropriate since I understood the teenager could not couldn’t help it.
An Eye-Opening Awakening
Fortunately, my compassion prevailed then a remarkable event happened over the following hour and a half. Initially, I gradually became accustomed to the previously bothersome utterances. Later, when the story built to a peak where the audience observed the profoundly empowering influence which Davidson’s support groups have had for many participants, I experienced awed and deeply honored to share this time alongside individuals who had real experience not only portrayed on screen – although the lead actor's performance as the character stood out , in my view, award-worthy.
I have experienced similar experiences in the cinema previously – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend with a speech impediment and his speech therapist spouse, alternatively meeting real ex-soldiers from D-Day in the lobby following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was in a different league. It resembled an enhanced viewing, but instead of motion seats and splashes touching viewers, the individuals were sitting alongside saying, “This goes beyond a film. It’s my reality.” Then swearing. Spunk for milk.
A Positive Resolution
So I refrained from objecting. As the film ended, I actually spoke with Joe – who was 14 – and the parent, guardian, for the gift of their presence, which certainly enriched the film more meaningful compared to what we expected. We then talked for a while then snapped a photo as a group – when the group yelled an expletive in solidarity with the boy.
Final Thoughts
I would strongly encourage all viewers to go and see this remarkable production and should you have the chance to end up watching alongside with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim
