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The Invention of Lying
2009 100 min United States of America PG-13 18+
★6.3
Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson
Trailers
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Description
Set in a world where the concept of lying doesn't exist, a loser changes his lot when he invents lying and uses it to get ahead.
Budget:
$18.5M
US Gross:
$18.45M
Worldwide:
$32.4M
Starring
Ricky Gervais
Actor
Jennifer Garner
Actor
Jonah Hill
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
The Invention of Lying presents a high-concept premise that explores the societal consequences of absolute honesty through a mix of satire, romance, and philosophical inquiry. While many viewers appreciate its thought-provoking themes and original setup, opinions remain split on whether the execution successfully bridges the gap between comedy and its more cynical, dramatic undercurrents.
| Originality | The film offers an original, thought-provoking premise that challenges viewers to consider the necessity of deception in human social structures. | |
| Acting | Ricky Gervais and Jennifer Garner deliver believable and effective performances that ground the film's absurdist world. | |
| Theme | The exploration of religious origins and the invention of faith provides a uniquely provocative layer of social commentary. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative struggles to find a consistent tone, shifting uncomfortably between biting satire, romantic comedy, and heavy-handed melodrama. | |
| Originality | The world-building is viewed by some as a brilliant exploration of truth versus fiction, while others find it logically inconsistent or under-explored. | |
| Humor | The humor is polarizing; some find the blunt, honest dialogue to be cleverly ironic, while others dismiss the jokes as repetitive, crude, or unfunny. |