Listened to that one about the 3 vicars who went into a movie theater – and were educated a valuable insight in acceptance?
Which activities do vicars participate in in their own free time? Last week, I ventured with two colleagues, each fellow ministers, to watch the new film named I Swear. Based on the trailer, I understood that the film centered on a man diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. However, what the author didn’t know turned out to be the fact it depicted a true-life figure: the subject, who starred in an earlier late eighties film who later received an MBE in recognition of his work to educate people regarding Tourette's and support those affected.
Exploring Tourette's
Before this programme, many individuals did not heard of the condition. Nearly four decades later, people sort of understands its nature, yet it remains seen as comic material – particularly within stand-up comedy.
From the teaser, it seemed that the film was going to try to balance through simultaneously using the undeniable comic potential of a person shouting socially awkward words at unexpected moments while also working to carry on the protagonist's mission in promoting understanding in a respectful and sensitive way. I hope it’s not revealing too much to mention it was successful on both counts – but naturally this realization came once the film concluded.
An Unexpected Cinema Experience
As the film was starting, a youth seated in front from us unexpectedly yelled a series of profanities. At first, I thought this was a joke – although one quite offensive. However, it quickly became apparent that this was a real-life person experiencing TS: an adolescent accompanied by his father.
While the story unfolded, the same with the young man – and there was no visible response by either the parent nor anybody in the theater. I felt slightly conflicted. Undoubtedly, this represented a significant event for them to see their no doubt very tough daily reality depicted on the big screen, and it was positive that they received this experience. But was it fair if we and everyone else in the cinema could barely understand the audio due to the noise? Could the cinema not have put on a special screening – like most of the chains often provide for those with conditions in general?
A Personal Conflict
It's regrettable to admit which I really thought about saying something – not directly to them personally (I am no a monster), but to the manager at the venue. However, both of the author's obviously kinder friends appeared to come to terms with what was happening. Moreover, lurking in my thoughts was the admittedly fictional incident in Extras when Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman objects regarding a young person making too much noise in public, not realizing that he has a genetic condition. He faced backlash the ensuing negative attention – and my objection might have been much more severe since I understood the teenager simply couldn’t help it.
A Profound Realization
Thankfully, my compassion won over then an amazing thing occurred over the next hour and a half. Initially, I just adapted to the initially distracting sounds. Later, as the movie approached its conclusion where viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating effect that Davidson’s special programs offered for numerous individuals, I felt awed and extremely fortunate to be sharing this time with people who had real experience not just as actors – even though the lead actor's performance as the character was superb and personally, Oscar-caliber.
I’ve had comparable situations while watching films previously – viewing The King’s Speech alongside a friend who stutters and their speech therapist wife, alternatively bumping into actual veterans of World War II after the show after Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was far more impactful. It felt like an immersive experience, but rather than motion seats and water mists spraying the audience, the individuals were right alongside saying, “This goes beyond entertainment. It reflects my life.” And then cursing. An example phrase.
A Heartwarming Conclusion
Therefore I didn’t complain. When the film ended, I even went and thanked the young man – aged fourteen – along with Mark, his father, for the privilege of their presence, that undoubtedly enhanced our viewing even more profound compared to a standard screening. We then conversed at length then took a selfie as a group – during which everyone present shouted a rude word alongside the young man.
Final Thoughts
I would strongly encourage people to watch this brilliant production , should the opportunity arises to end up watching alongside with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim