Review of The Invention of Lying (2009) by Thomas W — 13 Nov 2011

For anyone who has laughed and/or enjoyed British comedian Ricky Gervais' droll "performances" at various Hollywood award show banquets -- or enjoyed Britain's original The Office or his former HBO series Extras (Kate Winslet and Daniel Radcliffe were HILARIOUS as guests on this series) -- The Invention of Lying would probably be a rather acceptable, funny film.

"Acceptable" because the film would probably be considered highly offensive to some; but I took it as nothing more than a film and appreciated its sense of humor. If it were only as simple as being about the "invention of lying", I don't think anybody would have any problem(s) with it; but Gervais takes the lie all the way to the top! Bitingly snide and contemptuously outrageous, I found myself laughing so hard at The Invention of Lying that I probably now have a specially designated spot for myself in hell.

The film takes place in an alternate reality in which the citizens of the world cannot tell a lie (they also appear to be unable to hide their thoughts which make for some fiendishly clever snippets between relative strangers who have perhaps just randomly met or wait upon another at dinner).

The world cannot conceive of decepting others and an elderly retirement home is both honestly and accurately labelled "A Sad Place Where Hopeless Old People Go to Die". Gervais' character, Mark Bellison, one day discovers he can tell a bank clerk that he has more money in his account than the computer monitors specify.

Since lying has NEVER happened in this world before, Mark is believed and given the money (!!!). Mark doesn't fully understand what he is doing (or why he is able to do so); but his new-found ability leads him to create any fanciful idea he can think of -- ANY idea -- including the Big Guy in the Sky! Ouch .

.. but it is oh so funny. Laughing at this makes one feel as uneasy as one walking on eggshells. To me, the movie was more about the stupidity of mankind than it was an outright attack on Christians (religious folk were simply used as an example) -- and boy are we (humans) stupid! That the movie raises more questions and uncertainties than it pretends to answer doesn't matter (such as, why does a church exist if there has never been religion?) because it is funny enough to make up for them.

The Invention of Lying is probably one of the most original comedies I have seen lately and I will just have to get over the idea that I may be headed South after enjoying it as much as I did. Oh -- and Jennifer Garner was lovely here! What a captivating smile.