The Invention of Lying

The Invention of Lying (2009)

  • 58% of critics liked it
    (179 reviews)

  • 47% of users liked it
    (601,615 ratings)

Ricky Gervais directs himself in The Invention of Lying, a comedy in which everyone in the world tells the truth except for one misfit in the film industry, who after discovering the act of lying, milks it to become the world's most phenomenal performer. Matthew Robinson will co-direct from his… More

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PG-13,
Directed By
,
Written By
Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson
Genres
Comedy
In Theaters
Oct 2, 2009 Wide
Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com

    There are cycles of inspiration and rebirth, but the barbed promise of the early going loses its way in choices aimed at sentimentality rather than, as Harvey Kurtzman memorably put it, humor in a jugular vein.

  • A.O. Scott, At the Movies

    It's bogged down in too many squishy romantic-comedy pieties.

  • Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

    I think the first half hour would be almost impossible to sustain because it is so inspired.

  • Anthony Lane, New Yorker

    The last third of the movie is as bad as anything I've seen this year, with the laughs trailing off, and half of the supporting characters, the zestier ones, being airbrushed from the frame.

  • Trevor Johnston, Time Out

    That a great comic idea does not necessarily make for a great screen comedy is the lesson for first-time writer-director-star Ricky Gervais as he comes unstuck.

Read all 21 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Stuart B


    Amusing if not exceptional comedy, Gervais has yet to make a movie that is anywhere near as enjoyable or original as one of his many TV shows.

  • Dean !


    Oh dear this looked ok from the trailer. Thought it would be a mix of Liar, Liar with Bruce Almighty. Unfortunately n where near as funny as those two. In fact for a comedy apart from the main plot running through the film, it tries to be a bit too serious for a comedy. As a result… More

  • Jeff "


    The Invention of Lying is a terrific comedy directed by the great Ricky Gervais. This is a smartly crafted film with great acting and it has a wonderful script and story. If you want a fun little comedy, this is the film to watch. Ricky Gervais is always a pleasure to watch, and in… More

  • Joshua W


    A really clever well written film.

  • Directors C


    It might not be a film that does what it says on the packet and it's premise is essentially a one trick pony. But Ricky Gervais' accidental romantic comedy is funny at times but has good intentions and is overall. A warm, light hearted movie.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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