The Invention of Lying

‘Lying’ premise solid, needs better plot

ROB LOWE (left) and Rick Gervais in “The Invention of Lying.”

Suppose we all lived in a world where everyone told the truth all of the time, the blunt truth.
Such is the unique premise to “The Invention of Lying.” The concept opens itself up to all kinds of situations.
The fact the plot could have been fleshed out more can’t be denied. But what is here is certainly worth a look.
Ricky Gervais, a modern-day Lou Costello, is a historical writer trying to find himself some female companionship.
The film opens as he starts a date with the luscious Jennifer Garner.
It appears not only do the people in this world always tell the truth, they can’t keep their mouths shut to avoid inappropriate comments either.
So when Gervais’ character, Mark, shows up for a date, the Garner character tells him he interrupted her performing a rather personal act on herself. She also informs him she is way hotter than he and it is doubtful they will sleep together. While he sits down, she goes back upstairs and says she will finish that personal act, but will try to do it quietly so he doesn’t notice.
So there’s lots of openings for great comedy and often it works. In the restaurant, the waiter tells Garner’s character she is way hotter than her date. When he brings drinks, he admits taking a sip.
The truth and nothing but the truth results in a different world than we are used to. For example, movies have to be absolutley the truth. That means every film is based on real events and consists of an elderly man describing an historical event.
Well, Mark’s life isn’t going too well. No, he doesn’t get to sleep with Garner and after everyone tells him at work he will probably be fired, he is.
The next morning, his landlord tells him to pack up and leave, because he hasn’t paid his rent.
Mark goes down to the bank to take out his last $300, not enough to pay the rent. But the computers are down. Since nobody lies, the teller asks Mark how much he wants from his account.
Suddenly we see his brain. Something is happening to it. He lies and declares he needs $800.
Ah, but the bank system starts operating again and the clerk sees he only has $300. So what does she do? She gives him the $800 and tells him the computers aren’t working correctly, because they show he only has $300.
Ah, Mark has hit upon something. He starts telling friends wild stories and they believe them all. He gets a kick out of it.
And when his mother lies dying in a nursing home, he decides to comfort her by painting this rosey picture of the afterlife. He literally invents heaven.
Trouble is, the doctors and nurses hear this tale. News services pickup up the story of this pudgy guy describing the hear-after.
The next morning, he opens the door and as far as the eye can see, is lined with people. Everyone has a question about the afterlife.
As Mark tries to answer their questions, the lies get bigger and bigger. But no matter how wild, everyone immediately agrees.
Part of the humor comes from the fact there are no words for terms like “liar” and “truth.” Until Mark’s “invention,” there was no need.
Gervais, with his British accident, is able to carry the part. Rob Lowe is great as a co-worker who tells Gervais he is going to woo and marry the Garner character.
The film has underlying themes about truth and people and religion. It has its share of laughs and frankly, I’d like to see a better-written sequel, returning to this same world because there is so much humor that can be mined from the premise.
How about a story on the troubles ensued when everyone is compelled to be truthful no matter what? Don’t even go into the idea of people lying.
That’s a better idea. It’s a premise I came up with. No, I’m not lying.

THE INVENTION OF LYING
• Directed and written by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson
• Rated PG-13 for language including sexual material and drug reference
• Runtime: 99 minutes
• 3 stars out of 4