Truth is what we make it… So we make it satire! In this film, Mark, played by Ricky Gervais, is the only person to discover lying. He tries to help others with his fibs, but finds it to be a difficult responsibility.
The Invention of Lying provides possible answers for why some societal trends were created. Why do we believe in a higher power? How do we get others to like us? Lying is not so black and white. It isn’t entirely bad, like we are taught as children. This movie does not endorse big lies or lying with malicious intent. However it does show how a little fib can make someone feel wonderful. The film also explores the power that stems from choosing what to believe.
Although some of the humor could be considered offensive, it challenges the relationship between perception and truth. One scene mirrors Moses displaying the Ten Commandments, but only if they were written on pizza boxes. I found the lines in this particular scene hilarious, as if someone punched me in the stomach and I could choose either be in pain or laugh instead. I laughed a lot. I understand too how this scene could easily offend any organized religion, particularly Christianity. At times this humor feels overwhelming snarky, but the main characters pull the story along well with the best intentions.
The rules of The Invention of Lying universe make the love story that much more touching, because it is entirely sincere. Yes, the conflict derives from the same conflicts of almost any modern love story. Is love enough? Can it overcome genetics, wealth, and attraction? Honestly, I felt pummeled by the repeated conflict over the word “genetics.” By the second uttering, I wished they’d at least pick another word. I thought the repetition was useless considering the movie’s inevitably happy ending. It felt like a lecture. On the other hand, I did appreciate that small situations were never resolved exactly as I anticipated. I found these smaller resolutions more satisfying than the main plot-driving ones, simply for the surprise.
I loved the original score. It’s made even more charming by Jennifer Garner’s and Ricky Gervais’ smiles. I enjoyed the music, but felt the film relied on it too heavily. Physical action was so scarce in some scenes that music had to carry the story along. I became too aware of the music to the point of distraction. Still, there are some classic pop/rock songs, most notably by artists like Electric Light Orchestra and Donovan.
Funny, sweet, quotable, and snide in good fun are the best ways I can describe this film. Could it be offensive? Yes. Should you let the kids watch it? Probably not. Yet, if you are willing to take life a little less seriously for an hour or so, then rent this movie. I bought the DVD, because I like it. However, this movie is one to test drive first. If you can laugh your way through the vulgar jokes and painfully honest labels, then you just might see the world with new eyes.
Think I’m lying? See for yourself.
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1058017/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Cassidy Glascock 