The Invention of Lying
Posted by swannernjudd on October 15, 2009
the-invention-of-lying.warnerbros.com
Swanner: In a world where there are no lies, one man discovers that lying can change his life forever. Ricky Gervais (from BBC’s The Office) wrote and directed this clever and original comedy with his collaborator Matthew Robinson. Gervais pays Mark Bellison, a chubby snubbed nose writer loser…I can say these things because the film reminds you of it all the time. Remember, in this film everyone tells you the truth. It’s like a visit to Brian’s house. Gervais is in need of money after being fired and evicted and lies to a bank clerk to get more cash then his account holds.
Judd: It’s funny you should say it’s like a visit to my house, because during the intro when they were explaining that nobody lies and sometimes truth can be harsh, I thought to myself, “I would love to live there.” There were things I really liked about The Invention of Lying and there were somethings I didn’t like about the movie. I think my biggest problem is that the movie tried to be too many things. Comedy, romantic comedy, social satire, and a warm and fuzzy “hope movie”.
Swanner: I think the warm fuzzy thing was underplayed for the most part, which is a good thing. It was there, but not the film’s focus. I thought it worked really well on the comedy and social satire element but the romantic comedy part didn’t work as well because Gervais doesn’t look like the romantic leading man we have grown to expect. I guess that makes me one of those people the movie was trying to satirize. I feel so shallow.
Judd: Yes, you horrible fat person you. Speaking of you being enormously fat, this movie was built around fat jokes. Horrible, insensitive, insulting, hysterical fat jokes. I especially liked Gervais’ stained sweatpants clad alcoholic best friend played by Louis C.K.. I couldn’t stop laughing. Actually, the only time I wasn’t laughing is when Gervais was pining away over Jennifer Gardner.
Swanner: This is why I wouldn’t want to live in that world. I don’t want to spend all my time being insulted by Brian. I know Brian would be a major A-hole and would revel in that world. The supporting cast was really good and the film is full of cameos which I thought was a very pleasant surprise.
Judd: No doubt this is a big movie, with a big cast, tackling big issues. I think it’s completely worth a full-price ticket on weekend. I also know that most people aren’t as anti-romcom as I am, and if they are just know that the fat guy in the park balancing a sandwich on his gut makes up for all that romantic nonsense.
Swanner: I hope this review makes people understand what it’s like working with you…it’s my own personal hell
Swanner: 3 Stars
Judd: 3 Stars
