Film worth a few good laughs. No word of a lie.
What would it be like to live in a world without lies? This is the intriguing "what if" scenario explored by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson (co-writers and co-directors) in The Invention of Lying.
Gervais rose to prominence creating and starring in the British television series The Office and carries a lot of weight in comedic circles. He stars in his own film as Mark Bellison, a schlumpy screenwriter of historical documentaries, the default film genre in a world that hasn't conceived of fiction. Bellison is the classic Everyman, someone who quickly earns the empathy of the viewing audience after his humiliation on a first date with the beautiful Anna McDoogles (Jennifer Garner). McDoogles wastes time telling Bellison he's "out of her league" and stands little chance of even getting to first base with her.
In the parallel universe of this film such bluntness is the norm. Waiters complain that they hate their jobs; co-workers blurt out whatever crosses their minds. This assertiveness, subtle as a wrecking ball, provides much of the humour early in the film. It's not an entirely original concept (remember Liar, Liar in 1997), but this film takes it further.
The film's title is invoked in a moment of crisis for Bellison as his world starts to crumble around him. With his first lie he discovers an extraordinary power which he wields without fear of reprisal in a completely credulous world. His deceptions are initially self-serving, but soon are also used in a spirit of compassion. Ultimately, however, he is focused on winning the affection of the lovely McDoogles. And while she reciprocates friendship, her own dilemma emerges as she waffles between her affection for Bellison and her desire to find a man more her equal. Of course, the audience expects that love must find a way, and the predictability of the romantic comedy genre lessens the dramatic tension.
The Invention of Lying
When Bellison's comforting promises are overheard by hospital staff there is a domino effect as he is suddenly thrust into the position of being a prophet. Gervais uses this development to simultaneously parody the religious beliefs and symbols of Judaism and Christianity.
People of faith might wonder if they should be upset by this satire on belief. Gervais is quite vocal about his atheistic views, and it's no coincidence that the invention of lying coincides with the invention of religion; yet there's little here that might be considered truly blasphemous.
While the inhabitants of this world look like facile dupes for buying into Bellison's "Man-in-the-Sky" lies, their search for transcendence conveys a spiritual hunger in humans that rings truer than what the film's creators may have intended. Further, for those steeped in a formative Christian experience, it's an opportunity to see through the eyes of those who have never been exposed to Christianity, how illogical faith and religious practice might sometimes appear.
While vocal atheists like Richard Dawkins get more media attention than they used to, The Invention of Lying needn't be a lightning rod for opposition from the faith community. It may well provide an opening for discussion with friends and neighbours. The film is rated PG-13 and contains some coarse language and sexualized humour. It will not be everyone's cup of tea, or even name brand beer for that matter, but if you like Gervais's type of humour, you'll at least have a few good laughs.
Rated two out of four stars.
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