- The Invention of Lying
- OPENING: 10/02/2009
- STUDIO: Warner Bros.
- RUN TIME: 100 min
- ACCOMPLICES:
Trailer, Official Site
The Charge
In a world where everyone can only tell the truth… this guy can lie.
Opening Statement
It’s a fun week to go to the movies, as there are no less than three worthwhile, smile-inducing films to take a look at. I started this triple-header with The Invention of Lying, the latest project from comedic genius Ricky Gervais. The premise initially seems like an inverted take on Liar Liar, presenting a version of the modern world in which no one ever tells a lie.
The Case
This situation is not particularly fun for someone like Mark Bellison (Gervais), a pudgy working man constantly belittled by those more powerful and attractive than he is. While Mark is on a date with the lovely Anna McDoogles (Jennifer Garner), he is informed of his inferior genetics and stands pretty much no chance with her. Living in a world in which everyone compulsively sees things as either "so" or "not so," means there is no room for messy, complex things like feelings to get in the way of humanity’s relentless participation in natural selection. Mates are chosen purely for their biological value, not for something as flimsy as feeling they’ve found a soul mate. However, in a moment of desperation, Mark finds a way out of the system. He learns to lie, and immediately begins to use this newfound knowledge to his advantage. He can convince anyone of anything, simply by telling them it is so.
The Invention of Lying indulges in the predictable gags you would expect, but quickly veers into considerably more thoughtful and challenging territory. The most striking sequence begins with Mark discovering that his mother only has moments left to live. She cries on her death bed, moaning that she can’t bear the thought of spending eternity in an empty state of nothingness. Desperate to make his mother happy, Mark invents a story about a glorious afterlife in which everyone gets to be with their loved ones and live in a mansion for all of eternity. The word of this marvelous afterlife begins to spread, and in no time Mark finds himself serving as the all-knowing authority on a religion that he’s making up as he goes along. It’s bold stuff for a mainstream comedy, and the film digs into similarly thought-provoking areas in its own genial manner throughout the proceedings. Gervais humorously and smartly explores just how dramatically lies have impacted our society, and how dependent on them we are for so much of what makes us human.
Though the story structure is fairly conventional comedy, the guts of the film are exceptionally funny and substantial. Gervais does a predictably solid job both as star and co-director, and his screenplay provides a generous supply of fun supporting roles for a host of talented folks (Tina Fey, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, John Hodgman, Louis C.K., Jason Bateman). Special mention goes to Jennifer Garner, whose supporting turn as Mark’s perpetually-surprised love interest is a terrific demonstration of comic timing that should not be overlooked. I might have preferred a film with just a bit more merciless bite, but then it wouldn’t have been a mainstream release. I’m reminded of what John Lennon said after his pro-socialism, anti-religion song "Imagine" became a massive hit: "Put your message across with a little honey."
The Verdict
9/10
22 comments ↓
I really think this is a landmark comedy. Gervais has entered the comedy space that has been reserved for geniuses like Woody Allen and Mel Brooks. The big difference is that it is easier to identify with Gervais’ characters and therefore easier to laugh — and think. Invention of Lying has a brilliant premise and wonderful performances. I wonder, though, if a theme like this can make it to the Oscars. It should!
who wrote this review? Mrs Gervais?
I normally love his stuff, but I thought this film was very disapointing and ultimately a vanity project. Rick Gervais just doesn’t have the range to play Hollywood leading men and the script was very weak.
Just because Mr. Gervais and I are married doesn’t mean I’m unable to look at his work from an objective perspective…
I had clues – reviewer had three lines saying nothing indicating he must have left early and 7 people in the huge theatre sitting in silence thruout the film – warning me of this tortuous 2hr. numbing disappointment which I actually sat thru to the end wondering who paid for this film and hoping it would live up to its premise – which it didn’t! The only time I laughed was during the credits when I learned that Ricky produced the film ! I WANT MY MONEY BACK.
I found this movie very offensive to my Christian faith. I would not recommend it! I will keep Ricky Gervais in my prayers!
The most wonderful film I have seen for a long time. It was tastefully done, Ricky Gervais and the supporting cast were wonderful.
At last a true film about the invention of creation. Straight to the point. Of course it will cause contraversy because religion can not take the truth and their only way out is to be critical.I loved this film and I just roared , and also did most of the audience ,especially when he appeared in a beard. A true film about the dangers of religion.. I agree also with Dawn Forsyth. An oscar for this film. The funniest for a long time. Ricky Gervais fans, of whom there are millions, you just try to get a ticket to one of his shows,
is great.
It certainly seems to be polarizing. Much as I liked the film, I have to disagree with you on one point, Elaine… I don’t think it was really a film about the dangers of religion so much as it was a sharp jab at the artifice of religion. Many of the more dangerous fundamentalist aspects of organized religion (and there are indeed plenty of dangerous fundamentalist aspects of organized religion) were pretty much given a pass… in fact, the hastily-invented concept of an afterlife seems to play favorably in contrast to the nothingness presented beforehand. The film is getting at the idea that lies are an integral part of what makes us human. If anything, it went pretty easy on those who find comfort in some form of religious faith (as I myself do, though clearly I saw the film from a much different perspective than Becky did).
Disappointing. I found great humor and art in The Office and Extras; my expectations were high. This is not a particularly funny film although it could have been. It’s not laugh out loud funny, and it’s not “hmmm, now THAT’s funny” funny. It’s just dull.
It’s thought-provoking when it exposes the lie of religion and belief in an invisible man in the sky. In defense however, it supports the FACT that while a lie, religion satisfies basic human needs and quells our fear of death.
I do not recommend this film to fans of Gervais who might expect the subtlety and genius displayed in his other great works.
I think some people assume the wrong thing about Gervais’ politics. Yes, he’s very anti-religion and pro animal rights, but he’s certainly no leftist. He has often come out with some (non ironic) reactionary rants aimed at multiculturalism and cultural relativism. His politics seem to align wth those of Morrissey. His portrayals of the racist British working class are sympathetic yet his rants against animal treatment in the third world are venomous. I’m not suggesting he himself is as racist, but he targets Marxists in his stand up but never groups like the BNP.
Gervais is a sexy beast. Bless his round little bastard self.
I ATTENDED A SATANIC RITUAL WITH RICKY AND HE SWORE TO ME THAT HE WOULD NEVER TRY TO INTERJECT HIS RELIGIOUS BELIEFS IN ANY OF HIS MOVIES. I TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD…..LIGHTEN UP FRANCIS!
absolute turkey of a film. giving it 9/10 – you must be working for the film company…
I have heard that Ricky is a total Athiest but his
script writting of the film indicates his inborn natural desire for a spiritual need by his portrail whilst talking with his dying mother in the film of what would happen to her when she dies.As a bible student he accurately spoke about the bibles hope of being young again,meeting dead loved ones and being happy with no more pain.The mansion was abit far fetched but i felt really pleased that u had an idea of what does happen when u die.It is a temporary nothing ness like being in a sleep Ecclesiastes chap 9 verse 5 and psalms chap 146 verse 4 confirms that and isaiah 65 verse 21 talks about conditions that will be enjoyed. hope u dont think im a religious fanatic i just enjoyed your idea of death and was pleades to discover ur blog to express my self to you on how close you were on yuor idea and couldnt believe you were a total atheiest. hope you continue being a success and i really enjoy you being you regards lorna
As a brand new fan I am really surprised at how criticle of Ricky some of you long time fans are. I don’t care about the religious aspect of his talent. I recently bought Ghost Town and I am officially hooked on Ricky as a human being. He makes me laugh and that is an extremely healthy thing for all of us. I would be honored to meet this man before I die. He has made me laugh so hard! For that I thank you so much Ricky. You are a breath of fresh air. I had no idea you did stand up and I will have to do my homework to obtain some of your DVD’s if possible. Thank you so much for the outtakes on Ghost Town, the real you shines through and I loved the candidness. As a Dog and Horse trainer I enjoyed the interviews with you holding and talking to your dog. Great work!! Genuinely, Ginger
Love the man and all he has done..up until this film. Its rubbish Ricky…and I don’t agree with that in the workplace!!!!
By the way, the idea that religion and spirituality are only invoked as a defence against fear of death is far too simplistic.
Still love him though and will be the first to attend his next movie.
It is obvious that those who believe in a higher being and those who do not will never agree. Us non believers need people like Ricky Gervais to convey our thoughts to others, where we cannot be listened to.
Anyway we should be commenting on the film and there is no doubt it is a great film.
I really had a hard time with this film to at first; I think I had the wrong sort of hopes, after the scriptwriting of The Office and Extras, and the cinematographic beauty of Ghost Town. But you have to keep in mind that this is Gervais’ first project led as extensively by him. So there’s that.
But what I found so wonderful about this is that it left me THINKING (it’s hugely dissapointing to me when a movie removes all my desire to think concepts through myself). It was such a beautiful merger of comedy and drama, the likes of which I don’t think I’ve ever seen. Invention was heartfelt and humorous. I don’t think it was even remotely meant to be laugh-out-loud slapstick, for those who are let down by that. And it really reinforced, for me, the reasons why I admire Gervais as an artist: he has strong views, but he is able to respectfully access other worldviews (for the most part, anyway; but what’s comedy without some biting disrespect?), and to expose their flaws, while being more than willing to take a comic stab at himself and his own views.
I myself am not an athiest, and it can rub me the wrong way when he belittles faith, but I think his work really gets audiences to think through their own assumptions, and to critically access an open-minded view of others.
And I happen to think that’s very valuable.
So all in all, some aspects of the movie dissapointed me a little, but then, I’ve only seen it the once, haven’t I. I look forward to the DVD release.
While I’m an avid fan of Ricky Gervais’ work and his philosophy towards life, this film is certainly not his best transcription of his ideals. Whilst I agree with the messages portrayed, they are not complemented well enough by any reputable form of humour. Our empathy of the main characters lust for the heroine is confused by her complete lack of romance. It is difficult to sympathise with his quest for her love when she seems so heartless!
As for religion in the film, you could spend all day tearing it to pieces because anyone with sound reasoning and a normal upbringing knows its clearly a load of twoddle. I admire Gervais for trying to address this in the film, but mixing it with comedy was a little too ambitious for me.
In all honesty if I hadn’t heard of Gervais before I would have given this 1 star. He should definitely stick to writing with Stephen Merchant in the future. Clearly his genius has been overlooked!
Fantastic film, great storyline, I wouldn’t expect anything else really, seeing as its directed by Ricky Gervais. Was good to see a glimpse of Steve Merchant in the movie, however disappointed at there being no sign of Karl Pilkington. Overall it was a very enjoyable movie and I am sure Ricky will be pleased with his contract for free pizza for life from Pizza Hut. Would I watch it again? I certainly would and I look forward to Cemetery Junction now and all future work by Ricky. Shaun…
As a big fan of Mr Gervais, it saddens me to say that this film was utter shite. On a par with his recent live show, also diabolical. If he’s hoping to create a body of work that will stand the test of time, he needs to hire a quality controller.
I wonder how many eople who condem this film are of a religious faith.
This film was made on behalf of millions like myself who find relief in questioning what has been taken for granted that a god created the earth, and that all in the bible is the wholetruth or invented like in this brilliant film.
I found the movie offensive and I am a Christian. I didn’t sign up to listen to Gervais’s nonsense, any more than I’d want the second half of a Tom Cruise movie dominated by an appeal to Scientology.
If aethiests want to get together and celebrate how we came from worms, so be it. Just don’t sell me on that.
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