The Invention of Lying

Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais, who also co wrote the film with Matthew Robinson) exists in a world the same as ours in every way, except for one small detail; the ability to lie does not exist. A simple hypothetical with endless possibilities.

As a below average looking, unsuccessful guy, the inability to lie only magnifies Mark’s struggles on the dating scene, especially when trying to date outside of his league and trying to woo the gorgeous and successful Anna (Jennifer Garner).

After hitting rock bottom… Mark tells the world’s first lie, stemming from the utter need to survive. After realising the incredible power he has stumbled upon, he embarks on a journey of hilarious experimental scams such as telling a casino that his machine hit the jackpot and failed to pay him.

However, what changes his life forever, is when he is overheard speculating about the afterlife, for until this conversation.... there was none. This catapults him to prophet status and Gervais’ comedic talents are especially evident in a hilarious scene, which parodies Moses and the reading of the 10 Commandments. The film cleverly pokes fun at the whole premise of religion and the afterlife, as in the film, the entire notion of religion does not even come about until the first man is able to tell a lie. Well that is one interpretation anyway.

Slowly Mark and Anna develop a genuine friendship, he wants more but she candidly struggles with the thought of them being anything more than friends, because of the genetic makeup he would contribute to their children! And she can’t help but tell him that of course!

The premise of the film is simple, yet it opens an endless world of hilarious yet believable scenarios. For example, the film cleverly satirises other concepts such as advertising. Pepsi’s slogan reads:
‘Pepsi: When they don’t have coke.’ And it’s funny because it’s true!

In a market saturated with films of the same old boring storylines, I found ‘The Invention of Lying’ refreshing and a much-needed escape from the real world. I loved the novel concept and Gervais’ natural comedic talent and mannerisms.

The film caused me to imagine how different my own life would be without lies or exaggeration, just brutally honest truth. No mind games, no faking anything, no creative advertising, no fictional movies or books and no lawyers that’s for sure!

You won’t realise just how often we all lie, exaggerate or stretch the truth until you see this.