I Swear
The irony is not lost on me that, for most Americans, John Davidson was introduced to us at the BAFTAs a few months ago, when he was caught on mic saying a deplorable racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting an award, a moment of embarrassment for both Davidson, and especially Jordan and Lindo, who handled the situation with grace and class. The awards were broadcast on a delay, and yet, the slur remained, and set off a firestorm of discussion about why he was there, why he was near a mic, and most importantly, why the BBC did not edit it out of the broadcast. John Davidson has a specific form of Tourette Syndrome, which developed in him in the ’80s; he is now a well-known advocate for people with the disorder in the UK; the film begins by recreating him being given an award for his work from the Queen, and what happens. But because of that moment at BAFTA, most people will likely not give Kirk Jones’s “I Swear,” a biopic on Davidson’s life, the time of day. I get it, because the word he spoke that night is the worst slur that could have been said. At the same time, though, that is a shame, because it is a terrific, and thoughtful, film.
Davidson was at the ceremony because the film was nominated, and Robert Aramayo- who plays the adult him in the film- actually won Best Actor for his performance. Seeing it now, it was much deserved, although as the younger Davidson, Scott Ellis Watson is also fantastic. One of the most surprising things we learn in “I Swear” is how Davidson’s Tourette’s seemed to come out of nowhere in his teens; I had thought it would be a life-long condition, and I’m sure it is for some people. An aspect of Davidson’s life that the film captures so well is how- almost immediately- everyone views Davidson differently, even his own parents. His father eventually leaves, leaving his mother (beautifully played by Shirley Henderson) to raise he and his siblings alone. That further ostracizes Davidson from his world- his mother makes him sit at the fireplace to eat, as one of his tics is to spit food- and that loneliness and anxiety is all over Watson’s face, as is the heartbreak for Henderson as his mother. Eventually, he goes to live with a friend with Tourette’s and a couple- Dottie and Chris (Maxine Peake and David Carlyle)- who can handle his condition. One of the most touching scenes in the film is when Dottie tells John, “In this house, you don’t have to apologize.” The world outside their home is less forgiving, however.
I had forgotten that Jones, back in the day, directed “Waking Ned Devine,” about a small town who bands together to resurrect an old man who- improbably- won the lottery. That was one of my grandfather’s favorite films in the last couple of years of his life, and was the last one we watched on VHS with him before he passed. That same subtle dark humor, and big heart, is all over “I Swear,” and it’s anchored in the lead performances by Aramayo and Watson. Watching the pain as they struggle to see their behavior not be understood by the outside world, and how- through Davidson’s work at a community center- he realizes he can help bring understanding to others, is one of the most inspiring story arcs I’ve seen in a long time. I love underdog stories, and “I Swear” is a terrific one that is worth your time, and empathy. Just like John Davidson.
