The Invention of Lying

This is the 1st written and directed film by Ricky Gervais, which was co-written and co-directed with Matthew Robinson. The film focuses around the character of Mark Bellison (Gervais), who lives in a world almost identical to ours - except that no one in the human race can tell a lie. That is until Mark, hated by his co-workers (especially Brad Kessler (Rob Lowe), labelled as fat and ugly, sacked and evicted from his house, has finally had enough - he tells the world's first lie. From there on, the film is just your basic zero to hero comedy, with an obligatory love interest (Jennifer Garner).

I believe the film has a context showing that while the world may change, everything will also stay the same - but there is always the chance where you can change your position in life. The script is the typical Gervais style, which mixes ingredients from both his TV shows and stand up. By mixing cringe type humour that makes the audience uncomfortable, with rudeness of his stand up, he's somehow managed to tone it down for a 12A audience. The style in which the characters act (because they mainly speak by saying their feelings out loud) makes you sympathise with characters like Mark - because he is at the bottom of the social ladder, he receives the most abuse.



This film features some of the best acting that Gervais has ever done especially one scene that would make the average movie-goer teary eyed. Overall, the film was a lot better than I was expecting. It features quite a few funny scenes, and offers an innovative way to script a film. The film features cameos by plenty of A-list celebrities, including Gervais favourites Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton and Stephen Merchant, which only adds to the cinema experience.

5/10

By Mathew Johns