Set in an alternate reality in which the human race is not able to lie, The Invention of Lying is British master comedian Ricky Gervais's first foray into directing.
He creates a cinematic world whose blunt inhabitants constantly remind his protagonist, Mark Bellison, that he is a “chubby little loser.” This brutal honesty manifests itself in other ways, too; nursing homes are referred to as places “where old, lonely people live.” Mark is in a rut, jobless and struggling with romance, as the woman that he loves, Anna (Jennifer Garner), does not find him a suitable genetic match. Suddenly, he uncovers the ability to lie and instantly changes not only his own life but also the world around him. One of his lies, however, spirals out of control, and the people around him demand an explanation for this world of truth, forcing Mark into his toughest challenge yet.
Despite this elaborate backdrop, at its core, the film is a romantic comedy; Mark works to seduce Anna amidst all of the chaos in his life. Don’t be discouraged by the foreseeable Hollywood sappiness, however, because it’s also laugh-out-loud funny.
The Invention of Lying may not be perfect, but it’s refreshingly original, and watching a host of megawatt stars, including the always fantastic Tina Fey, conquer smaller roles makes this a lie worth spreading.
