Film Review: The Invention of Lying (2009)
In contemporary Western world, atheism has transitioned from a subject nobody talks about in polite society to phenomenon that is increasingly accepted and even celebrated. Over the past decade, this shift reached even Hollywood, where once-unimaginable perspectives on belief and spirituality have begun to influence film content. Among these films, none have ventured as boldly into the realm of atheism as the 2009 comedy The Invention of Lying, co-directed by Matthew Robinson and Ricky Gervais. This film not only showcases Gervais's atheistic views but does so with a distinct flair that sets it apart from its contemporaries.
Ricky Gervais stars as Mark Bellison, the film's narrator and protagonist. The plot is set in a fictional world that is identical to our own but for one striking detail: its inhabitants are incapable of lying or even comprehending the concept of falsehood. This society operates on an unwavering foundation of brutal honesty, which complicates Mark's life significantly. He grapples with personal failures, particularly in his pursuit of the beautiful Anna McDoogles, played by Jennifer Garner, and faces professional challenges as a screenwriter whose work is rendered meaningless in a world devoid of fiction. After losing his job and struggling to pay rent, Mark stumbles upon a revelation during a bank visit—by simply stating he has more money than he does, he discovers the power of lying. This newfound ability allows him to improve his circumstances, but it also leads him to realise that he can enhance the lives of those around him. A poignant moment occurs when he comforts his terminally ill mother, Martha (played by Fionula Flanagan), with comforting fabrications about an afterlife, unwittingly positioning himself as a prophet who constructs an entire belief system around his lies.
The Invention of Lying is a relatively obscure film, despite positive reviews and a notable cast. Its peculiarity lies in its use of a simple "high concept" to explore deeper philosophical issues within a romantic comedy framework. Originally conceived by Robinson as a comedic skit about a couple discovering their inability to lie, Gervais infused the script with deeper personal significance. As one of contemporary comedy's most celebrated figures—known for co-creating The Office and roasting vapid Hollywood celebrities while as a host of award shows—Gervais sought to imbue the narrative with an exploration of atheism. This theme becomes particularly pronounced in the film's latter half, where religion is equated with deception; Gervais suggests that rational individuals must reject religious beliefs as inherently incompatible with truth.
However, this bleak assertion is somewhat softened by another notion introduced by Gervais: that religion—much like so-called "white lies" or what legal frameworks refer to as "necessary fiction"—can serve constructive purposes. It posits that these narratives can enhance people's lives by providing comfort and allowing for artistic expression of things that are imagined rather than real.
Unfortunately, while Gervais demonstrates considerable talent as both a comedian and writer, his directorial execution falters. A critical flaw in The Invention of Lying is its lack of humour; many jokes—particularly in the second half—become repetitive and lose their comedic edge. Furthermore, Gervais's implied superiority over other characters can become grating rather than endearing.
Despite these shortcomings, The Invention of Lying does manage to deliver moments of laughter and entertainment. The cast's performances, especially Garner's charming portrayal of Anna McDoogles, help to mitigate some script limitations.
Overall, The Invention of Lying could be recommended for viewers with low expectations and those intrigued by curiosities rather than groundbreaking or high-quality comedies. Despite its flaws, the film offers a unique premise and some memorable moments, making it a curious watch for those interested in exploring unconventional romantic comedies.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com
Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/
InLeo blog https://inleo.io/@drax.leo
Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax
Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax
1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e
BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7
BCH donations: qpvxw0jax79lhmvlgcldkzpqanf03r9cjv8y6gtmk9