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The Invention of Lying (2009) 6.4
Ratings:
6.4/10 from 83,926 users
Metascore: 58/100
Reviews: 276 user | 189 critic | 31 from Metacritic.com A comedy set in a world where no one has ever lied, until a writer seizes the opportunity for personal gain. |
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Title: The Invention of Lying (2009)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Ricky Gervais | ... | ||
| Jennifer Garner | ... | ||
| Jonah Hill | ... | ||
| Louis C.K. | ... | ||
| Jeffrey Tambor | ... | ||
| Fionnula Flanagan | ... | ||
| Rob Lowe | ... | ||
| Tina Fey | ... | ||
 |
Donna Sorbello | ... | |
| Stephanie March | ... | ||
| Ruben Santiago-Hudson | ... | ||
| John Hodgman | ... | ||
| Nate Corddry | ... | ||
| Jimmi Simpson | ... | ||
| Martin Starr | ... |
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
It's a world where everyone tells the truth - and just about anything they're thinking. Mark Bellison is a screenwriter, about to be fired. He's short and chunky with a flat nose - a genetic setup that means he won't get to first base with Anna, the woman he loves. At a bank, on the spur of the moment he blurts out a fib, with eye-popping results. Then, when his mother's on her deathbed, frightened of the eternal void awaiting her, Mark invents fiction. The hospital staff overhear his description of Heaven, believe every word, and tell others. Soon Mark is a prophet, his first inventive screenplay makes him rich, and he's basically a good guy. But will that be enough for Anna? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Taglines:
In a world where everyone can only tell the truth... ...this guy can lie. See more »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
2 October 2009 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
L'invention du mensonge See more »Box Office
Budget:
$18,500,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£1,735,326 (UK) (2 October 2009)Gross:
$18,439,082 (USA) (11 December 2009)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Mark Bellison: [expecting the worst] And what is that?
Anna McDoogles: I want short fat kids with snub noses!
[Mark smiles; they kiss]
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Gervais insisted that Louis C.K. shave off his goatee because he needed to look like a caveman for the opening scene. C.K. was very reluctant but he eventually shaved it off. The cavemen scene was filmed but it was deleted from the final cut. See more »Goofs
When Greg and Mark are being pulled over by the motorcycle cop, the rearward shot clearly shows that they are on a 4 lane street with buildings on each side, and he stops in the left lane near the center line. But in the remainder of the scene they are stopped in the right lane of a long bridge. Also, the lights on the police motorcycle are still flashing as the officer walks up to confront the driver of the car. Later in the scene, the lights on the motorcycle are not on anymore. See more »Quotes
Anna McDoogles: [with an epiphany] I've finally decided what I want!Mark Bellison: [expecting the worst] And what is that?
Anna McDoogles: I want short fat kids with snub noses!
[Mark smiles; they kiss]
See more »
I was pleasantly surprised by this film. From a simple premise as "lying doesn't exist" it develops into a thoughtful tale with a touch of satire. On the one hand it exposes early on the basic first impressions we all have of each other and of situations we find ourselves in. On the other, it touches on the importance of being honest about what we know and especially honest about what we don't know.
I could examine all the inconsistencies inherent to a concept like this. One would think that without the concept of duplicity, we should be far more advanced than we currently are. One would also think that without lying, there would be no imagination and therefore very few scientific discoveries and advances. The story requires that you don't think about that too much, just to enjoy the script as it moves along.
Gervais carries the film along as planned, in his quiet, self-effacing way. The humor won't have you rolling on the floor, but the frankness of the casual insights should make anyone snicker with self-awareness at the truth of it all.