Caught that tale about those 3 vicars who went into the cinema – & were educated a valuable insight on acceptance?
Which activities do clergy members participate in during their free time? Last week, this writer ventured accompanied by two companions, each fellow vicars, to watch a new picture named I Swear. From its teaser, it was clear which the film focused on a man living with TS. What the author didn’t understand was the fact it depicted an actual individual: John Davidson, who starred in a previous late eighties program who later received an MBE for their campaigns to teach the public about this syndrome and support those affected.
Learning About TS
Prior to this programme, most people had never heard of the condition. Nearly 40 years later, people roughly understands the basics, but it’s still treated as a punchline – especially on comedy shows.
From the trailer, it was evident that this movie was going to try to walk a fine line through both using the undeniable funny moments from a person yelling socially awkward things during unexpected moments and attempting to further the protagonist's efforts of raising awareness in a compassionate manner. I hope this isn't revealing too much to mention it succeeded in both aspects – but naturally I only knew that after watching.
A Surprising Theater Incident
When the feature began, a young man seated in the row from us unexpectedly exclaimed multiple curse words. Initially, I thought it was a prank – although a joke quite offensive. However, it soon became clear which this was an actual individual with Tourette's: a teenager accompanied by his dad.
And as the story unfolded, so did the boy – and there was no apparent action by either his dad nor anyone among the viewers. I felt slightly divided. Obviously, it was a big deal for this family to watch their certainly incredibly difficult existence portrayed on the big screen, and it was positive which they received this experience. But was it fair that we and everyone else in the cinema could barely understand the audio due to the noise? Would the cinema have been able to organize a special screening – like most of the chains regularly do to those with conditions usually?
A Personal Struggle
I feel embarrassed to confess which I actually considered saying something – not to the boy’s father himself (I am no a monster), instead to the manager of the theatre. But, both of my evidently more charitable fellow vicars had accepted to the situation. Additionally, in the back of my mind was the fictional yet memorable incident in the TV series where Ricky Gervais’s the protagonist protests about a child causing a disturbance in public, ignorant that the child has special needs. He barely survived the resultant bad press – so my objection might have been far worse since I understood the teenager simply was unable to control it.
A Profound Awakening
Fortunately, my better nature prevailed and an amazing thing occurred during the following 90 minutes. First, I just adapted to the previously bothersome sounds. Then, when the movie reached its climax and we saw the profoundly empowering effect which Davidson’s special programs have had for so many people, I felt modest and very privileged to be sharing this moment with those who had real experience not only as actors – even though Robert Aramayo’s performance in the role stood out and to this writer, award-worthy.
I’ve had comparable situations in the cinema previously – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend who stutters and his speech therapist spouse, or bumping into real ex-soldiers of the Normandy landings in the lobby following Saving Private Ryan – yet that experience was on another level. It resembled an enhanced viewing, but instead of the chairs moving about and splashes hitting you in the face, the individuals were sitting beside you saying, “This goes beyond a movie. It’s my reality.” Then using foul language. A memorable line.
A Positive Resolution
So no complaint was made. As the film ended, I even approached and expressed gratitude to Joe – aged 14 – along with Mark, his father, for the privilege of their presence, which undoubtedly made our experience even more profound compared to it would have been. Afterwards talked for a while and took a selfie with everyone – when we all exclaimed a curse in solidarity with the young man.
Final Thoughts
It is urged that people to go and see this brilliant production and should the opportunity arises to end up in the same theater with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim
