Film review: The Invention of Lying

NO LIE: The Invention of Lying has got more on its mind than just bums on seats.

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This would be an easy film to underestimate. From the trailers and the postering, The Invention of Lying looks like nothing much more or less than Ricky Gervais (The Office) moving in on Jim Carrey's territory with a Liar Liar or Yes Man slice of pseudo metaphysical fluff.

And that's no doubt just the way the producers and distributors wanted it, because Carrey's comedies make like bandits at the box office, and the audience for a bit of paradoxical feel-good has been a reliable cash cow since 1946's It's a Wonderful Life, at least.

But, Gervais is not Carrey. And his film - he co-wrote and directed, so he gets to take all the responsibility - goes a lot further than Carrey has in years.

In The Invention of Lying, Gervais imagines a world in which untruths are completely unknown. No-one has a need of the concept of "honesty", any more than fish need a word for water. It just is the way things are.

And then, one fine morning, one fat bloke discovers that if he tells his bank teller a porky, she will give him money that he doesn't actually own.

Before you know it, Mark Bellison (Gervais) is using his new-found gift to better himself in all sorts of interesting ways. Money, career, Jennifer Garner - all of these are his for the taking as he realises that everyone will believe everything he says, and that he alone has the power of invention at his disposal.

In the film's most interesting twist, in order to comfort his dying mother, Mark invents a story about a "big man in the sky" and a "nice place" you might go to after your death. Suddenly, The Invention of Lying is taking aim at some very big targets indeed.

Whether you enjoy the movie on its most basic level - just a romcom with that bloke from the telly - or whether you go along for its surprisingly controversial philosophising, there is plenty to enjoy here.

Gervais the director has got a good handle on his cast and pacing, while Gervais the leading man is as likeable and engaging as ever. It's no Groundhog Day, but The Invention of Lying has got more on its mind than just bums on seats.

The Invention  Of Lying
Director: Ricky Gervais
Starring: Ricky Gervais,  Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe,  Jonah Hill
Rated: M
Time: 99 minutes
Trailer: Flicks.co.nz

* What did you think of The Invention of Lying? Post your comments below.

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Brett Dale   #12   05:54 pm Jan 19 2010

Loved the movie. Thought the scene when he delivered a sermon on Pizza Boxes, was so David Brentih.

Anas   #11   05:14 pm Jan 15 2010

Iam from K.S.A and I've seen this movie don't ask from were as you all know there is no cinema in my country and you know why and if you don't know try to googlet and of course i don't liket and this movie is the best movie i have seen and thanks for reading my comment >>>> E is my second language i am sorry for the miss spelling

David Corner   #10   11:36 pm Dec 28 2009

I thought the film was good a decent comedy and funny well worth seeing

maggie   #9   07:53 pm Dec 24 2009

his movie was total crap the script ws rubbish. it was so dull I left early .I used to be a fan,no more,corny as

Kelly Logan   #8   04:22 pm Dec 08 2009

Hi Graeme, just back from time in Europe and Asia, and the big excitement buzz is the S3D digital theatre conversions for "Avatar." Fox has spent millions along with Sony and Panasonic in upgrading 1000's of cinemas all over the world - but my friends who are real movie nerds here in NZ say that the film will be not be screening in Wellington in the technical specifications that James Cameron the director, made it. And it was made in Wellington! That's pretty bad news for the kiwi public. We think you should make some good investigative journalism about this fact and find out why we are not seeing the film in true digital 4K 3-D as it is the most exciting revolution in cinema since the advent of colour film from black and white. Cheers, Kelly

Aaron   #7   11:02 am Dec 02 2009

There aren't enough movies out putting across the atheist viewpoint. Ricky Gervais is a wonderful intelligent atheist and I will definitely be supporting him by seeing this movie. We need questioning minds in society, rather than indoctrination.

man in sky   #6   08:53 am Dec 02 2009

haha this was just a massive piss take of christianity. very clever

William   #5   01:06 pm Dec 01 2009

It's brilliant. Laugh out loud funny, and an excellent sustained shot at religion.

Zak   #4   12:34 pm Dec 01 2009

I'm a huge Ricky Gervais fan but i didnt enjoy this movie too much, i prefer his stand up shows which actually make you "laugh out loud"

jasmine   #3   06:47 pm Nov 30 2009

Haha, I never wanted to see it before, but since you mentioned the "big man in the sky" plot line, I do want to. Mentally elbowing xtians gives me teh lulz.

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