Film of the Day: "The Invention of Lying" – Ricky Gervais in My Favorite "Smart Comedy"

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Why is this film even more relevant today than it was 15 years ago?

"The Invention of Lying" (2009) – a philosophical comedy from British director and screenwriter Ricky Gervais, who also takes the lead role. The humor here weaves together with deep philosophical reflections on human nature, morality, and religion's role in society.

At the story's center is Mark Bellison, a down-on-his-luck screenwriter living in an alternate reality where humanity never learned to lie. Why this happened remains unknown, but that's just how it is – in this world, people speak only the truth, no matter how painful it might be.
Ricky Gervais with a surprised expression holds a stack of money in a bank, standing at the counter against the backdrop of an exit and tall windows
Scene from "The Invention of Lying"
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When Mark suddenly gains the ability to lie, he becomes the first and only person on the planet capable of deception. And boy, does he make the most of it...

What the film's about

At first glance, "The Invention of Lying" might seem like a simple comedy about a man using his questionable gift for personal gain. But there's much more going on here.

The film explores several key themes. First, there's the nature of lying and its role in human relationships. We're conditioned to think of lies as evil, but the movie shows how sometimes untruths can be acts of compassion – like when Mark lies to his dying mother about the existence of an afterlife.
Ricky Gervais and Jonah Hill in business attire standing in an elevator, looking at each other with serious expressions on their faces
Ricky Gervais and Jonah Hill in "The Invention of Lying"
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Second, the film presents a sharp satire of religion. The "religion" Mark accidentally creates spreads quickly, showing how easily people accept comforting stories on faith, especially when facing fears of death and the unknown.

The third major theme critiques modern consumer society and shallow values. The world where people can't lie emerges as a cruel and inhumane place where losers (and anyone who doesn't fit the ideal) face open contempt.

Why it's worth watching

"The Invention of Lying" offers a genuinely fresh take on familiar themes. Gervais creates a unique universe with its own rules that forces you to rethink conventional notions about honesty and morality.

The film doesn't rely on cheap laughs or physical comedy. There are witty dialogues and situational humor – moments to laugh, moments to think. Scenes where characters brutally honest truths to each other's faces are simultaneously hilarious and painfully recognizable.
Behind the comedic shell lies a serious philosophical statement. The film raises questions about what makes us human, whether we need faith to be happy, and whether compassionate lies can be more moral than cruel truths.
You'll get a solid cast too. Besides Ricky Gervais (by the way, we at zoomboola.com also highly recommend the series "After Life" starring him), "The Invention of Lying" features Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, and comedian Louis C.K.

In my view, in our era of post-truth and fake news, the film becomes especially relevant. It makes you think about the role of truth and lies in the modern world, and of course, how information shapes our perception of reality. In short, this is one of those rare cases where commercial cinema isn't afraid to tackle complex philosophical questions. It's a movie for those who value intellectual entertainment and aren't afraid to think about what they've seen.