The Invention of Lying
THE INVENTION OF LYING: A SMART COMEDY
With The Invention of Lying,Ricky Gervais co-wrote, co-directs, and stars in this clever comedy. Its unique storyline sets itself apart from the pack of empty comedies that are the norm. It is not laugh out loud funny but leaves its mark nonetheless. And supporting cast members Jennifer Garner and Louis C.K. are fantastic.
Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) is considered to be somewhat of a loser. He isn't much to look at. He is a screenwriter for a movie studio who doesn't appreciate what he does and so they fire him. He goes out on a blind date with Anna (Jennifer Garner), who tells him she is obviously way out of his league. But when Mark tells the world's first lie, he watches his world change for the better and starts to realize what he can do with this new found power. He experiments left and right until he uses it for good. When that gets him into trouble he watches his world spiral out of control. Along the way he takes Anna and his friend Greg (Louis C.K.). And even though he is in love with Anna, he will not lie to get her.
Ricky Gervais is a hilarious comedian who has brought the British hit The Office to the U.S., just to watch it become a smash here also. His humor is a very dry one. With The Invention of Lying he tells the story of a nobody who tells the first lie in a world filled only with truths. These lies lead to him making up a man in the sky who controls everything. Its funny but he is also making a statement. For those who aren't aware, Gervais is an atheist. Gervais has perfected the sad little man who is always the underdog. Mark Bellison is no exception with his puppy dog eyes, slouchy posture, and timid demeanor. He is the type of man that gets taken advantage of. And this is the exact reason as to why we root for him. Jennifer Garner is wide eyed and matter of fact at the same time as Anna. She likes Mark but she knows he won't give her the children she wants. Garner manages to make this girl likable even though she can be insulting. Louis C.K. is a well known comic who is under appreciated. He is all silliness as slovenly, drunken best friend Greg. Rob Lowe plays the token good looking bad guy who knows he can step all over people like Mark and get what he wants. His arrogance is perfection. The film is set in a quaint little East Coast town, with its red brick buildings, beautiful trees, and small town feel.
There are so many no brainer comedies out there to be enjoyed. Its nice to see a smart and witty film like The Invention of Lying make it to the big screen. Ricky Gervais is known for the British show The Office. Here's to hoping he continues to bring this kind of ingenious humor to the screen, big and small.
Report Card:
Story-B
Acting-A
Visuals-B
Originality/Innovation-B
Enjoyability Grade–B
Overall Grade-B
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