Last weekend, I went to see The Invention of Lying. I was expecting it to be funny, which is was. I was expecting lots of my favorite comedians to make small appearances – check. But what I wasn’t expecting was it to be a bit blasphemous and I was almost offended. Let me explain.
In the movie, Mark (played by Ricky Gervais – who I love!) lives in a world where no one lies. They simply tell the truth all of the time. It is pretty funny and incredibly blunt to hear what people are thinking all of the time. It is like they don’t have any internal sensor telling them that what they are about to say is way too much information. (As a side note, the first scene is a little uncomfortable for those of us who are sensitive about sexual topics. That’s all I’ll say. I’m blushing even writing about it.)
Well, one day, Mark lies. He just does. He doesn’t even know what to call it. So, he starts lying more and more. When the movie got a little blasphemous is when Mark’s mother dies, he lies to her and tells her that when she dies she gets to go to a wonderful place, see all the people who have already died, and live in a mansion. The hospital staff overhears him and they tell others. Pretty soon Mark makes up 10 Rules (or shall I say commandments) dealing with “The Man Who Lives In The Sky.”
What bothered me was the idea that the movie brings out that religion or spirituality is all made up – one big fat lie. Don’t get me wrong – it is a funny movie. But if you’re sensitive about Hollywood poking fun of religion, then you better not go.
But it did bring up the idea that sometimes we lie in order to make people feel better. And is that right? Should we do that? Hmmm . . . I’ll let you decide for yourself.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Sometimes I think it’d just be easier if everyone spoke the truth….but I guess that would bring us trouble unless we all were good-natured and kind!
I forgot about this movie. Can’t decide if I’ll rent it or not.
From what I’ve seen I like Ricky Gervais. Okay…so I’ve only seen him in Ghost Town. I would love to see him in the Bristish version of The Office. I was mixed on seeing this film. I was afraid it would be too much for me. Thanks for confirming such.
As far as your thought provoking question, I would say that most agree that it’s okay to lie to make someone feel better through their actions. To further the though, many just don’t say anything at all. Isn’t this omission much like a lie? But if you had to justify telling a lie or omitting the truth shouldn’t it be less about making someone feel better and more about preventing them from feeling worse? Though this still doesn’t work in all cases. May we dare guess that our blunt/bold/courageous/strong Lesli Joe would rather just have the truth out of everyone and speak the truth herself?
Holly,
Ummm – I am blunt and bold (thanks!) but everyone was a bit too honest in this movie. I didn’t like it. I think that over the years, I’ve grown up and my internal sensor is a bit better at telling me not to say what I’m thinking. I think teaching has also helped. But, that doesn’t stop me from thinking things. Actually, sometimes I laugh outloud in class and my kids think I’m crazy. Then they ask me why I’m laughing and I can’t tell them. Wouldn’t want to get fired now.
I was wondering about that movie. Thanks for the review! I’m not the biggest fan when they put a twist on religious stuff so I think I’ll pass on it now!
Bring on the movie reviews!! I’ll just let you go and see the movies first and then decide if I want to see it from there. I trust your judgement. By the way…when are you going to come around and watch Robin Hood again. I hope it’s soon!
Do you feel the change you’ve made over the years is a good one? Either way, I love Lesli Joe!
(Which I’m not)
In my old singles ward we started saying “your mom” to a lot of things. I tried to hold back for a long time, but eventually I started saying it at school…to the students. Oops! Wish that censor had stayed in place. No problems though. They’re near teenagers and either think it’s funny or they think I’m really lame.
While it’s good to think before opening your mouth, there are times when the truth just has to be said. I guess that’s where intuition and judgement come in. . . As a mom, there are times when I’ve lied to my kids to help them feel better or because they’re too young to understand the truth.
Thanks for the movie review. We’ll probably just catch it when it comes to Redbox.