  
The Invention of Lyinga.k.a. “This Side of the Truth”MPAA Rating:
 for language including some sexual material and a drug reference.Reviewed by: Thaisha Geiger Extremely Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults, Teens
Genre:
Romance, Comedy
Length:
1 hr. 40 min.
Year of Release:
2009
USA Release:
October 2, 2009 (wide—1,700 theaters)
  
Relevant Issues
Lying
Lying in the Bible About the Ten Commandments Have you kept each of the Ten Commandments? Are you good enough to go to Heaven? Answer Atheism
God
How can we know there’s a God? Answer What if the cosmos is all that there is? Answer If God made everything, who made God? Answer Was Jesus Christ only a legend? Answer Is Jesus Christ a man, or is he God? Answer If Jesus is God, how could he die? If Jesus died on the cross, then how can he be alive today? Answer Is Jesus Christ really God? Answer Pain, suffering and the origin of bad things
Why does God allow innocent people to suffer? Answer What about the issue of suffering? Doesn't this prove that there is no God and that we are on our own? Answer Does God feel our pain? Answer ORIGIN OF BAD—How did bad things come about? Answer Did God make the world the way it is now? What kind of world would you create? Answer Salvation
What does God say? Answer
Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer Gambling
Should Christians be involved with lotteries or other forms of gambling? Answer Love
What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer
“In a world where EVERYONE can only tell the TRUTH… this guy can LIE.” Under the ruse of a romantic comedy, “The Invention of Lying” is actually a religious satire that specifically attacks Christians and our belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Before this movie, I was not familiar with the lead actor Ricky Gervais. However, after seeing that he is credited as one of the writers, I immediately assumed that he’s an atheist. After a brief research, he is, indeed, an outspoken one who sadly lost his faith at the tender age of 8. Set in an alternate reality, Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) is an unsuccessful screenwriter. In his world, only honesty exists. People say what is on their mind truthfully and uncensored. While in real-life society, honesty is often respected; people of this world seemingly prefer to share only the ugly truth with one another. Getting fired from his job, his despair deepens when his love for Anna McDoogles (Jennifer Garner) is unreturned. Down and out, Mark goes to the bank to withdraw his last remaining $300. During the money exchange, something goes off in his head, and he does something no one else in his world has ever done before: lie. He then proceeds to tell the clerk that his account actually has $800.00. And since no one in this alternate reality knows what lying is, they automatically believe whatever Mark says without any doubt. Later on, his mother is on her deathbed, and she shares with Mark that she is scared of death and its eternity of nothingness. Not wanting to see his mom so hopeless, Mark proceeds to make up a story about how after death, one will go to their favorite place in the world, have their own mansion, and reunite with old family members. ETERNAL LIFE—What does the Bible say about it? Answer Eternal death in the Bible The word quickly spreads of Mark’s knowledge of the afterlife and thousands stake out his apartment, desperate for more information. Stuck in his own lie, he has a Moses-like moment and creates 10 commandments about a “man in the sky” who controls everything and everyone. While the public has their own questions, they completely accept Mark’s few absurd answers and change the way they live their lives. Mark then becomes a rich and powerful man, since he’s believed to be the only direct connection to the “Man in the Sky.” If based on plot alone, the story is rather weak and slow moving. However, the romance is portrayed sweetly. Mark never lies to Anna, even though doing so would help him win her over. As a satire, it’s rather indecisive and deceptive, hiding behind the premise of a romantic comedy. It finally reveals its true motive about halfway through the movie. While the attack is sometimes subtle and other times outright, Gervais isn’t soft spoken when it comes to vocalizing his own personal opinions about Christianity. After viewing a few video clips of his religious discussions, I noticed that Ricky Gervais would sometimes range from being profane to sounding somewhat hurtful as he discussed his atheism. TIPS—How to witness to atheists Does God really exist? How can we know? If God made everything, who made God? Answer In past interviews, he has stated that he lost his faith in Jesus when he was 8 years old. His older brother asked him if he really believed in God. When his mother immediately cut off his brother from continuing the discussion, Gervais states that is when he knew Jesus was not real. He has also called Jesus an “unpaid babysitter,” since parents will often use the name of Jesus when they want their kids to remain on their best behavior. If this is truly the sole reason for his ceasing to believe, he must have felt a deep sense of betrayal. Children are very impressionable. This is why Jesus gave a stern warning to any who might falsely lead children who rightfully believe in Him. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus said: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” I remember growing up in a very nonreligious home. My father would often use the “Jesus” card whenever he wanted things done his way, even though he did not believe in Jesus himself. Likewise, if Jesus is merely used as a warning device or “babysitter” as Gervais states, it would certainly be easy to persuade children of not believing in Christ since there is no firm foundation of knowledge. Christ does not want his name to solely be used for disciplinary purposes. Instead, parents should teach their children about Christ’s love and how to build a strong, personal relationship with the Savior. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul wrote: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Offensive ContentThe language is somewhat mild by today’s standards. There’s one use of the “f” word, and it’s used to say, “F**k the Man in the Sky.” He’s also called a “bastard.” There are vulgar sexual discussions, and the derogative word “faggot” is used, as well, plus “pr*ck” and “boobs.” The film’s main offense is its attack on Christ. While the writers did use some Biblical references, several were obviously misconstrued and not correct. It’d be easy to write a novel on this film, but I’ll only point out the main themes. I will be using the Scripture to counter the lies since in 1 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul wrote: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Christians are ignorant.
Jesus was a lying, selfish man with ulterior motives.
God makes us do evil things.
It’s within our right to be thoroughly offended by Ricky Gervais’ script. After all, he is attacking the Heavenly Father. However, I believe this was Gervais’ objective. Rather than anger, I feel sorrow for the lost man and remember when Paul wrote that, “for the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” I used to believe in another false religion and scoffed at the idea of the Christian God. Through research and God’s grace, I found out that the only Savior is Jesus Christ. To those who have ever been humiliated for their faith or even mocked as this movie has done. Be proud that you bear the name of Jesus Christ and were cleansed with his holy blood. If people tease you for your faith in Christ, then this is wonderful, for at least they know you by your faith. Peter wrote, “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” On a final note, not only should Christians pray for Rick Gervais, but the millions of others who also remain willingly lost. It’s important that Christians diligently read and study God’s Word, so that when the time comes, we will “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Violence: Minor / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Positive
none Neutral
Neutral - First, I begin by noting that the other comments on this film are spot on. Fundamentally, this film presumes that there is no God, and it shows the main character in effect inventing religion. Followers of the religion are by implication gullible idiots—except, of course, that everyone in the film are gullible idiots about everything. The film also suggests that lying in world of truth creates happiness and freedom, where, of course, we know that, in fact, the opposite is true. That said, I found the scene where Gervais tries to explain religion to the gathered crowd an example of how superficially most people are in their seeking of truth, and it posed the “problem of evil” (why does an all-loving God allow terrible things to happen?) cleverly. This is an example (not that more were needed) of how Christians need to think about how we speak to the world. It's a sweet rom-com, and don't be surprised if it leads to some interesting theological conversations in the aftermath. Neutral - I am an agnostic but I was brought up in a Christian home and empathise with Christians and the Christian faith. I am also a fan of Ricky Gervais' work. I didn't find this film particularly excellent but it did have some very funny moments. I was glad to read this review that countered the obvious atheist agenda running throughout the film and I felt it was important to read this after the film that had me uncomfortable at times but I often found challenging and clever. I feel Christians should engage in debate with moviemakers like Gervais or those who share his views, rather than just being offended because, quite frankly, being offended doesn't achieve a whole lot! Positive - I felt that this movie was not bad. I'll tell you why. It never insults Christianity. In a world where no one could lie, there would be no religion anyway. The religion that Ricky Gervais' character creates is in no way related to Christianity. I feel that this film was hilarious—and has a good message. So, in closing, I say that this movie is funny, good, and only offensive if you believe in a type of Christianity where God only gives you three strikes. Negative
Negative - It always amuses me when today's “new atheists” have to resort to tactics like morphing a cute romantic comedy into an anti-Judeo/Christian screed, knowing that they have a captive audience (I actually walked out around the time of the pizza box “tablets”). This overbearing condescension reminds me of when Steven J. Gould made an “appearance” on “The Simpsons” to essentially mock anyone who disagrees with what he insists is “science.” This coming from a group of people that faults others for proseltyzing. Apparently, I can no longer go to the movies without these zealots imposing their misguided belief system onto me and everyone in the theater (Incidentally, there wasn't much laughter in this theather during the rant, particularly over the pizza boxes—it's just not sinking in, Ricky). Negative - My husband and I went to this movie in hopes of seeing a fresh romantic comedy, which it seemed to start out as, but somewhere about a third of the way through, the movie took a disturbing turn when the main character decided to “lie” about God, or “the Man in the sky” by basically explaining away religion and God as an untruth. This then became the main focus of the film, and the issue of lying was almost a side note. It was difficult as a Christian to look beyond this issue as it was so morally offensive, and obviously became the producer's soapbox for his atheist beliefs. How disappointing! Negative - Like the first viewer mentioned above, my wife and I went to see this movie thinking it would be a fun romantic comedy. …The initial premise of a world without lying is interesting, although it is portrayed as a Pollyanna, and at other times depressing/mean place. It is a fallen world where people can not lie. After a few initial laughs, the movie's main message is revealed. A large portion of the movie is a relentless, often blatant, attack on God, Jesus, and Judeo-Christian beliefs. I was very offended to watch this movie present the idea that God, and the Christian faith in particular, is a well intended lie people have been told to help them feel better and make it through this life in hopes of Heaven for eternity. Negative - Even to the end of this movie I continued to hope that there would be some sort of repudiation or softening of the blatant ridicule of Judeo/Christian beliefs and values which forms the core of the screenplay. Creative? Yes, but the comedy quickly became strained and the oppressiveness of the atheistic message overwhelmed any moral the writer might have intended by having Anna make a decision to listen to her heart. I wish I had not wasted time and money on this movie and hope that it quickly goes to oblivion. Negative - My husband took me to see this movie on my birthday. We were so excited to get out and go see this movie, because it looked so funny in the previews, and we thought the idea was very clever. We were disappointed that they were not move clever in approaching this theme of being the first ever liar. We thought, for example, that he would be the first ever person to bluff in a game of cards or make really fun movies and then, of course, learn his lesson. The movie took a nasty turn and deeply offended my husband and I when it presented Christianity as a lie. We both sat there, each afraid to “ruin” the experience for the other person by suggesting to walk out. Afterwards, we agreed that we would do more research on sites like this before “wasting” our time together, and that we would indeed walk out next time, if we were caught off guard again. Negative - I went to this movie with 10 other co-workers thinking it would be funny and entertaining and being rated PG-13 how bad could it be… WOW! The trailers make you think that the lie is based around dating and being successful. The lie is actually mocking Christianity… “the man in the sky.” Throughout the movie, just a few of the obvious: it mocks the ten commandments, simulating Jesus' traditional appearance, and especially life after death which is the main premise of the plot, the BIG LIE! This movie is not suitable for anyone, let alone under 18 years old, with references to “F--- the man in the sky” and in the first 15 minutes of the movie during the first date blatant talk about masturbation. The only redeeming factor of the movie, is that it tries to show that people should be loved for who they are and not because of appearance and success. Negative - I wish I would have checked this Web site BEFORE we went to see this film. My husband and I went thinking a movie about a world where people could not lie was a clever story line. Boy were we wrong! The movie was nothing but a direct attack on Christianity. The lead actor tells a “lie” by telling his dying mother about heaven and “the man in the sky” obviously meaning God. The rest of the entire movie mocked the Christian faith. Besides that, it really was a very slow, boring movie. Do NOT go to this movie. It's horrible!!! Negative - I was soooo repulsed by this movie, The Invention of Lying, that I felt a little sick to my stomach when it was over. How this movie portrays our faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ as a lie is painful to watch. The foul words they used in reference to His name was incomprehendable. I went with a friend to see this movie with hopes of seeing a fun comedy. BOY was I mistaken!! Im also suprised that so many high profile actors would be involved in this disaster of a movie. It was slow, boring, and vulgar toward all Christians. I feel very sorry for the people that wrote this script, knowing that this is what they believe. Im sure they will find that most EVERYONE that sees this movie will find it offensive. I will be praying for them to see the Real Truth. Negative - Remarkable… to hide behind the pretense of a comedy when it is a direct attack on Christianity (calling the Word of God a lie) and Judaism (perverse portrayal of Moses). What makes this movie dangerous to easily influenced minds is that it subtly implies that what is bad should be considered good and what is good should be seen as bad, all in a light-hearted package. Vulnerable new believers and children could be affected by the obvious atheistic messages. Negative - I was hoping for another stellar performance from Gervais, like his last, GHOST TOWN, but was sadly disappointed. While he's still his usual, funny self, the context and substance of the movie is just horrible. Movie begins with very crude references to masturbation and continues with blatant blasphemy of God. I almost walked out 2 times in this movie… I wanted to enjoy it and find a good moral lesson, but there really was none (unlike GHOST TOWN). Being a Christian, it is a very offensive movie, and I felt like I was just supporting another Hollywood agenda. Skip this Gervais movie! Negative - As a Christian, I felt insulted. As a movie-lover, I felt insulted. As a thinking person who has studied the rich history of the Bible and the complexities of the sixty-six books, I was insulted by the grade school-like na-na-na-na-na, in your face, comparisons this movie makes with its bad analogies and ignorance of Biblical truth, to Christians. Just like open-mouth fish ready to swallow any bait, the people in the movie who believe the man's “lie” about there being a life after death, are obviously supposed to be comparable to Christians. But frankly, the only people in the world that I percieve to be anything like the gullible believers in this movie, are the ones who watch what Hollywood dishes out nowadays and swallows it, “hook line and sinker.” Comments from young people
Negative - I did not watch this movie till the end; my friend and I walked out of the theatre disgusted. I'm sixteen, and I’m from Toronto. I am a die hard Jennifer Garner fan. I’ve seen almost every movie she’s acted in, so I begged my friend to come see it with me. So we went, and we watched up until they started making fun of God, like when they said “we have to stop the bast**d man in the clouds.” I was repulsed and left the theatre with my friend. Although I found the acting good, I found the story highly offensive towards me and my God. Comments from non-viewers
Negative - I'm glad I havent seen the movie, but heard in detail from my 20 year old son, who regrets taking his girlfriend. Did this sneak past us? I'm shocked that I haven't heard about it. One more step the world has taken away from the truth. I guess Gervais and Satan are proud. Pray for all! |
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