The Invention of Lying

The Invention of Lying

Review by Louise Poole

Released: November 2009


Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe


Directed by: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson


The Verdict:

The question of whether you will enjoy this film or not depends solely on if you are willing to suspend your feelings of disbelief.

From it’s outset you are asked to step into the reality of Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) who lives in a world where no-one has ever lied. It is a world where people always tell the truth, somewhat bluntly, where the concept of fiction does not exist – and films are merely narrations of history, and where religion is unheard of.


Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) is an unsuccessful lecture-film writer. At the beginning of the film he goes on a date with Anna McDoogles (Jennifer Garner). Anna expresses minimal interest in Mark, bluntly stating that he is a fat, unsuccessful loser, whom she is not attracted to because genetically her children would end up looking like ‘snub-nosed fatties’ as well. Sounds harsh – but that is how blunt the truth is in this reality.


After Mark is fired and about to be evicted from his apartment, he goes to the bank to withdraw all the money that is left in his account ($300) so that he can rent a truck to move his stuff. However, when he gets to the bank their computer systems aren't functioning and they ask Mark to tell them how much is left in his bank account. Mark states the amount as $800, the teller gives it to him – after all, everyone always tells the truth – and the first lie is born.


The film continues as Mark uses his newfound power of lying for both good and bad and it raises many philosophical questions along the way. God does not exist in Marks reality and people do not believe in anything after death – until a lie from Mark changes everything.


The Invention is Lying certainly has its share of laughs and an amazing celebrity cast (Extras fans watch out for Stephen Merchant and Barry from EastEnders) but to enjoy it be prepared to check your critical mind at the cinema door. The interpretation of ‘lying’ seems to be flexible, as it suits the films needs, and the romantic subplot can feel insincere at times.


This reality in which people cannot lie is depressing because not only do people not lie, but they tell the nastiest of truths without even being asked. The film defines the act of truth as saying the worst of what comes to the top of our minds as soon as we think it and everyone in this reality seems to be set to ‘negative’ by default. It is a world without hope and one where people do not genuinely believe nice things about anyone else instead choosing to superficially see the exterior of what someone else has to offer society.

The Invention of Lying is an interesting idea and worth a look. But a word of advice: Only take the kids if you’re ready to have the birds and bees talk – You won’t believe what’s on some people’s minds that they are compelled to say…

The Twilight Saga: New Moon - Review

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Review by Louise Poole

The highly anticipated sequel to Twilight – New Moon was released in cinemas at 12:01 on Thursday 19th November. At our cinema, audiences armed with popcorn and a big can of energy drink made no secret of their love of New Moon and The Twilight Saga. For every button Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) unhooked on his shirt and each of Jacob Black’s (Taylor Lautner) signature shirt rip women throughout the audience recorded their resounding sigh of approval.

And I too, I must admit, also approved and believe other fans of the Twilight Saga won’t be disappointed in the New Moon instalment.

New Moon continues a few weeks/months after Twilight’s conclusion. It opens on Bella Swan’s (Kristen Stewart) 18th birthday when a seemingly innocent paper cut in a room full of vampires escalates into the catalyst for Edward breaking up with and leaving Bella. When Edward leaves, Bella sinks into a deep depression and it is only through her friendship with Jacob Black that her grey cloud begins to lift. Except Jacob has a pretty big secret….

Yes, it is a film about Vampires. Yes, it is a film about Werewolves. But at its rawest core The Twilight Saga is a love story – Edward Cullen, a modern day Mr. Darcy of sorts. While the first film told the story of Edward and Bella’s love, New Moon at its heart is a story about what happens when the person who once promised to love you forever seems to change their mind. It is the excruciating pain that we have all, at one stage, felt – Numbness, desperation and angst; the loneliness of coming home to an empty house; days that blur into weeks and months; and our withdrawal from friends, family and the rest world when our heart has been broken.

Empathy and understanding for Bella’s deep depression, the intricacies of her relationship with Jacob, and the choice she has to make when you truly love two men came easier after reading the original Stephanie Meyer New Moon novel, but the film didn’t disappoint and the filmmakers can be forgiven because it will always be impossible for the big screen to compete with words which fuel your deepest imagination.

New Moon combines a cast of exceptionally good looking young actors, with amazing cinematography and a killer soundtrack. And watch out for the cameo of a grown up Dakota Fanning – almost unrecognisable and completely different from the child-like roles she usually plays.

New Moon – Definitely a film for women of all ages!


My tip? Make sure you watch the original film Twilight first or you will struggle to follow the plot. And when you fall in love with the first film, give Stephanie Meyer’s books a go, and join the millions of fans who read and re-read their copies daily.

Watch the trailer here:

New Moon Official Trailer