Comments on: Review: The Invention of Lying

By: ELAINE K

ELAINE K — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:40:46 +0000

I wonder how many eople who condem this film are of a religious faith.
This film was made on behalf of millions like myself who find relief in questioning what has been taken for granted that a god created the earth, and that all in the bible is the wholetruth or invented like in this brilliant film.

By: Tony Edwards

Tony Edwards — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:10:12 +0000

As a big fan of Mr Gervais, it saddens me to say that this film was utter shite. On a par with his recent live show, also diabolical. If he’s hoping to create a body of work that will stand the test of time, he needs to hire a quality controller.

By: Shaun Connolly

Shaun Connolly — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:28:08 +0000

Fantastic film, great storyline, I wouldn’t expect anything else really, seeing as its directed by Ricky Gervais. Was good to see a glimpse of Steve Merchant in the movie, however disappointed at there being no sign of Karl Pilkington. Overall it was a very enjoyable movie and I am sure Ricky will be pleased with his contract for free pizza for life from Pizza Hut. Would I watch it again? I certainly would and I look forward to Cemetery Junction now and all future work by Ricky. Shaun…

By: Daniel Jamieson

Daniel Jamieson — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:23:28 +0000

While I’m an avid fan of Ricky Gervais’ work and his philosophy towards life, this film is certainly not his best transcription of his ideals. Whilst I agree with the messages portrayed, they are not complemented well enough by any reputable form of humour. Our empathy of the main characters lust for the heroine is confused by her complete lack of romance. It is difficult to sympathise with his quest for her love when she seems so heartless!

As for religion in the film, you could spend all day tearing it to pieces because anyone with sound reasoning and a normal upbringing knows its clearly a load of twoddle. I admire Gervais for trying to address this in the film, but mixing it with comedy was a little too ambitious for me.

In all honesty if I hadn’t heard of Gervais before I would have given this 1 star. He should definitely stick to writing with Stephen Merchant in the future. Clearly his genius has been overlooked!

By: Annika

Annika — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:17:18 +0000

I really had a hard time with this film to at first; I think I had the wrong sort of hopes, after the scriptwriting of The Office and Extras, and the cinematographic beauty of Ghost Town. But you have to keep in mind that this is Gervais’ first project led as extensively by him. So there’s that.
But what I found so wonderful about this is that it left me THINKING (it’s hugely dissapointing to me when a movie removes all my desire to think concepts through myself). It was such a beautiful merger of comedy and drama, the likes of which I don’t think I’ve ever seen. Invention was heartfelt and humorous. I don’t think it was even remotely meant to be laugh-out-loud slapstick, for those who are let down by that. And it really reinforced, for me, the reasons why I admire Gervais as an artist: he has strong views, but he is able to respectfully access other worldviews (for the most part, anyway; but what’s comedy without some biting disrespect?), and to expose their flaws, while being more than willing to take a comic stab at himself and his own views.
I myself am not an athiest, and it can rub me the wrong way when he belittles faith, but I think his work really gets audiences to think through their own assumptions, and to critically access an open-minded view of others.
And I happen to think that’s very valuable.
So all in all, some aspects of the movie dissapointed me a little, but then, I’ve only seen it the once, haven’t I. I look forward to the DVD release.

By: Elaine kilshaw

Elaine kilshaw — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:26:33 +0000

It is obvious that those who believe in a higher being and those who do not will never agree. Us non believers need people like Ricky Gervais to convey our thoughts to others, where we cannot be listened to.
Anyway we should be commenting on the film and there is no doubt it is a great film.

By: john

john — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:43:26 +0000

Love the man and all he has done..up until this film. Its rubbish Ricky…and I don’t agree with that in the workplace!!!!
By the way, the idea that religion and spirituality are only invoked as a defence against fear of death is far too simplistic.
Still love him though and will be the first to attend his next movie.

By: GINGER AUSTIN

GINGER AUSTIN — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:58:09 +0000

As a brand new fan I am really surprised at how criticle of Ricky some of you long time fans are. I don’t care about the religious aspect of his talent. I recently bought Ghost Town and I am officially hooked on Ricky as a human being. He makes me laugh and that is an extremely healthy thing for all of us. I would be honored to meet this man before I die. He has made me laugh so hard! For that I thank you so much Ricky. You are a breath of fresh air. I had no idea you did stand up and I will have to do my homework to obtain some of your DVD’s if possible. Thank you so much for the outtakes on Ghost Town, the real you shines through and I loved the candidness. As a Dog and Horse trainer I enjoyed the interviews with you holding and talking to your dog. Great work!! Genuinely, Ginger

By: lorna fielder

lorna fielder — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:15:54 +0000

I have heard that Ricky is a total Athiest but his
script writting of the film indicates his inborn natural desire for a spiritual need by his portrail whilst talking with his dying mother in the film of what would happen to her when she dies.As a bible student he accurately spoke about the bibles hope of being young again,meeting dead loved ones and being happy with no more pain.The mansion was abit far fetched but i felt really pleased that u had an idea of what does happen when u die.It is a temporary nothing ness like being in a sleep Ecclesiastes chap 9 verse 5 and psalms chap 146 verse 4 confirms that and isaiah 65 verse 21 talks about conditions that will be enjoyed. hope u dont think im a religious fanatic i just enjoyed your idea of death and was pleades to discover ur blog to express my self to you on how close you were on yuor idea and couldnt believe you were a total atheiest. hope you continue being a success and i really enjoy you being you regards lorna

By: charlie s

charlie s — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:30:33 +0000

absolute turkey of a film. giving it 9/10 – you must be working for the film company…