In a world where the human race has never evolved the ability to lie, an unsuccessful screenwriter (Ricky Gervais) who has just been fired, suddenly discovers how tell a falsehood and decides to use this new ability to get almost everything he wants in life.  He, unfortunately, discovers that this new ability will not win him the heart of the woman he loves (Jennifer Garner), but it will help him to make the world a better place.  Or, will it?

CRITIQUE

The Invention of Lying is a peculiar film.

The original/working title of this project was This Side Of The Truth, which better describes its premise than The Invention of Lying.

In the parallel world in which the story takes place, people speak the absolute truth, whatever enters their minds, and they accept, without question, everything that they are told. 

If you go into a bank and ask to withdraw $800, but the computer says that you only have $300 in your account, the teller will chalk it up to “computer error,” and give you the $800.

In this world, there is no kindness, consideration, imagination or faith.

If somebody you just meet thinks you’re fat and ugly, they will, without hesitation, say that to your face.

Movies do not employ actors.  They simply use a staid lecturer (a hilarious Christopher Guest) to relate The History of the Fork, or some other exciting subject.

And, as far as religion is concerned, there is no idea of a Higher Being, until Gervais comes up with “the Man in the Sky” concept, which creates a whole new set of problems for people.

The Invention of Lying starts off well enough, but then writer-director Gervais and his partner, Matthew Robinson, do let the movie meander during its second half, as if they weren’t quite sure in what direction they should take it.  Yet, I don’t think that’s the primary reason why the hoped for laughs are not there.

Essentially, the picture is a comedy and in many places it is very funny.  However, the movie’s underlying message (i.e. God and goodness are the result of “lies”) is a rather uncomfortable and disturbing truth, thus there are several sequences that are intended to be humorous that fall flat.

I enjoy watching Ricky Gervais.  He’s a very clever, talented man, but this film is a bit of a misstep.

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton and several other well-known stars make cameo appearances in the film

THE VIDEO

The widescreen picture is sharp and has no problems.

THE AUDIO

The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound is clear. 

THE EXTRAS

Prequel: The Dawn of Lying is a lengthy sequence featuring Gervais, Jeffrey Tambor, Rob Lowe and others as cavemen.  This expensive prologue was cut from the theatrical release, probably because it wasn’t that funny.

A Truly “Honest” Making-of is a featurette running a bit over seven minutes that includes the standard “talking heads” interviews with cast and crew.  Actually, it’s pretty humorous, at times.

Meet Karl Pilkington is a short documentary.  Pilkington is Gervais’ best friend, who was brought over from London to be an extra in the caveman sequence, which was subsequently cut from the movie.

Ricky and Matt’s Video Podcasts feature the writer-director team playing around and acting silly like a couple of children.

Additional Scenes are provided, and these should have and were cut from the theatrical release.

More Laughter: Corpsing and Outtakes offers the viewer many examples of Gervais breaking into uncontrollable laughter during a take.

FINAL THOUGHT

The Invention of Lying is an uncomfortable comedy that works only part of the time.