Comedian Ricky Gervais and writer Matthew Robinson co-wrote and co-directed the wildly funny comedy/fantasy The Invention of Lying in 2009. Ricky Gervais also stars as mild-mannered Mark Bellison, a screenwriter in a world where nobody is physically able to tell a lie. Because of this, there is no fiction, and Mark’s screenwriting assignment is the terrifically boring 13th century. At least, it is a boring century when all your scripts consist of a star (Christopher Guest) in a chair, ploddingly reading straight to the camera, the main events of the 13th century.
Buy The Invention of Lying Blu-rayMark scores a date with a beautiful woman, Anna McDoogles (Jennifer Garner), who has decided to go out with him as a favor to their mutual friend Greg (Louis C.K. in a very strong performance as a depressed man-child). Anna can only tell the truth, and is very up front with Mark, telling him that he seems like a nice guy, but he is short, has a “pug” nose, and isn’t up to her standards financially. Besides, rumors have it that Mark is about to be fired because of his boring scripts. Anna isn’t mean, she just cannot keep herself from telling the truth.
The next day, Mark goes to the bank. He owes $800 in back rent, but only has $300 in savings. The teller informs him that the computer system is down and could he please just tell her how much money he has in the bank. The teller has zero reason to think Mark will lie since lying doesn’t exist. Mark does the unthinkable. For the first time in his, or anybody’s, life, Mark tells a lie. He says he has $800 in the bank, and the teller instantly hands the money over without question.
Because Mark can lie now, his life instantly becomes better in nearly every way. He is able to convince a suicidal friend (Jonah Hill) that there is plenty to live for. His scripts make him the most famous writer in the world because they actually have interesting made-up parts with action, plots, and even an alien or two. He gets a second date with Anna, who asks Mark if now that he is rich and successful, will that make him the genetic fit Anna wants for her offspring. Mark wants Anna to like him, but refuses to lie because he wants her to like him for who he is. Mark is willing to use lying to get the success he craves, but refuses to manipulate Anna.
Then Mark accidentally creates religion. The movie is quite funny up to this point, but takes off into the stratosphere as Mark makes up a “heaven” to go to when you die: as long as you don’t do more than three “bad things”. He also writes “commandments” on the backs of pizza boxes which leads to a hysterical question-and-answer session between himself and his “congregation.” In the end, it is likely that Mark does more good than bad with the invention of religion, but it is too soon to tell.
Special Features:
- Prequel: The Dawn of Lying
- A Truly “Honest” Making-of Featurette
- Meet Karl Pilkington
- Ricky and Matt’s Video Podcasts
- Additional Scenes
- More Laughter: Corpsing and Outtakes
A world in which lying does not exist is an excellent background for a romantic comedy. Gervais, Garner, Louis C.K., and Jonah Hill all give great performances. There are also excellent performances and cameos by Rob Lowe, Jeffrey Tambor, and Tina Fey. The Invention of Lying is funny from start to end, and the special features on the Blu-ray add even more laughs.
