A Comprehensive Perspective on Tourette's: Exclusive Interview with I Swear Star Robert Aramayo

      Robert Kojder interviews I Swear star Robert Aramayo…

      With Robert Aramayo recently receiving a well-deserved BAFTA for his role as Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson in the film I Swear, directed by Kirk Jones, and with its North American theatrical release (distributed by Sony Pictures Classics) now in progress, it seems likely that his fame and reputation will continue to grow. Having already appeared in minor roles on prominent shows like HBO’s Game of Thrones and Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, it's reasonable to assume that with such a committed and authentic performance focused on spreading awareness about a condition that remains widely misunderstood, his future roles in both film and television are poised to become much larger.

      With a Juilliard background, it’s clear that Robert possesses considerable acting talent. His debut screen role followed a stage performance as Alex in A Clockwork Orange (something I wish I had the opportunity to ask about, given that Stanley Kubrick’s film is a classic), and he has also showcased his talent in lesser-known thrillers like The Standoff at Sparrow Creek.

      It was a privilege to engage in a virtual discussion with Robert Aramayo about portraying John Davidson, the film itself, Tourette syndrome, using humor as a coping strategy, and how certain lessons—such as not apologizing for things beyond one's control—are often universally applicable to various conditions and disabilities. We also touched on a medical device that, while not a cure, reduces tics, and he provided a timeline regarding its potential public availability.

      To be transparent, Robert acknowledged some audio issues on his end, which is why his responses may not always align perfectly with the questions asked. Nonetheless, he remained engaged, informative, and thoughtful about stepping into the role of a person with Tourette syndrome, showing sincerity about raising awareness and educating others. Enjoy our conversation below:

      This is a fantastic film. Your performance is outstanding; you truly earned that BAFTA.

      Thank you, Robert!

      For me, what stands out most about your performance is that you don't actually have Tourette syndrome, yet I believed you did while watching the movie. Could you elaborate on how you prepared for the various tics to ensure they felt authentic?

      It was crucial for me to study as deeply as possible. Much of my research on Tourette's came from John, alongside interactions with others I met. An incredible charity called Tourette Scotland connected me with numerous individuals, and I met with them to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Tourette’s. I explored triggers and how different environments can influence symptoms. I consumed books and watched YouTube videos, doing everything I could to prepare and understand Tourette’s from as many angles as possible.

      Do you strictly adhere to the script, or do you allow for spontaneous moments?

      Kirk Jones [the director] was very collaborative, which allowed for those spontaneous moments. It truly felt like a family on the set of I Swear. There was room for improvisation, to a certain extent, but it was always within the framework of the central narrative Kirk aimed to tell. Everything was organized so that every actor could try new things.

      I assume you had to observe Scott Ellis Watson’s performance to maintain consistency across the tics and overall portrayal. How did you ensure synchronization?

      That was primarily down to Kirk, working between Scott and me. There’s a significant time jump when I take over from Scott, which posed a challenge. However, we had a great resource in the documentaries John created over the years. You can see how John’s tics evolved as he aged. When we first meet him, he’s quite different. Tics can fluctuate; they change over time, while some remain consistent in younger people. The two portrayals are distinct but contained within their own narratives, so it was about finding a way to connect them cohesively.

      You mentioned the documentaries. Do you replicate those exactly, or do you bring in your own interpretations?

      At a certain point when portraying a real person, you have to make the role your own. I was fortunate to have John’s support, as he was incredibly encouraging towards me, Scott, and the entire film. For every question I had, John would be willing to assist. He was an invaluable resource.

      There’s a scene where John and his friend Murray are painting a wall, and John smears paint on his face, leading to a fun moment. It resonated with me as I understand looking for humor as a coping mechanism, whether related to a condition or disability. Did you feel this sentiment while filming that scene or while getting to know the real John?

      Absolutely, he’s very much like that. That line, “Fuck off, Murray, that wasn’t a tic,” is something John humorously says. One of the beautiful aspects of John and many others with Tourette's is their ability to find humor in situations. Often, people ignore the tics and focus