The Invention of Lying
The Invention of Lying

The Invention of Lying

2009Movie100 minEnglish

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.

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IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users68%
Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew RobinsonGenres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Plot Summary

In a world where everyone tells the truth, a perpetually unlucky man discovers the ability to lie. He uses this newfound power to his advantage, improving his career and romantic life. However, his deception soon leads to unexpected and increasingly complex consequences.

Critical Reception

The Invention of Lying received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its unique premise and Ricky Gervais's performance, but found the execution uneven and the humor sometimes falling flat. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the philosophical concept and others finding the comedy too dark or predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its original and thought-provoking concept.
  • Mixed reactions to the humor, with some finding it sharp and others unfunny.
  • Ricky Gervais's performance was a highlight for many critics.

Google audience: Google users appreciated the film's novel premise and the comedic performance of Ricky Gervais. However, some found the movie's exploration of morality and deception to be less engaging than expected, leading to a generally positive but not overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception.

Fun Fact

The film's central premise, a world without lies, was inspired by a thought experiment about the necessity of deception in human society.

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