Here’s the trailer for The Invention of Lying, formerly This Side of Truth, presently a very funny trailer, and eventually, Ricky Gervais’ legitimate break-through movie in the United States.
Now, think of all your favorite comedic actors. They’re in the movie. Jason Bateman. Of course. Tina Fey. You betcha. Martin Starr. Hell yeah. John Hodgman? Wicked pissah. Christopher Guest. Jefferey Tambor. Jonah Hill. Check. Check Check. Adam Sandler: Absolutely not. It’s a funny movie, not a shitty one.
Also, Patrick Stewart narrates.
The high-concept premise is smart yet ridiculously simple— it’s sort of like Liar, Liar in reverse. Gervais lives in an alternate world where the notion of lying does not exist. Not even white lies. So, Gervais invents the lie, and because nobody knows what a lie is, everyone believes what he says is the truth.
The "In A World" bit sounded weird without the "In A World" guy saying it.
Posted by: BWeaves at June 29, 2009 12:01 PM
Really? I think the trailer's kinda lame. I didn't laugh even once.
Posted by: Thijs at June 29, 2009 12:03 PM
This looks hysterical, but sadly when looking up its release date, I stumbled upon a troubling fact...it's released on the same day the "made for Tweens" remake of Fame is coming out.
So while all the High School musical fans, the "stupid dance/romance flick" fans, the gaggles of single, slightly depressed teen girls who'll band together and obsess over the film, the middle aged women who'll merely be watching for cougar porn, the middle aged men in raincoats, the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, Professor Plum, Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Eeenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe, and of course "the theater kids" will all be going to see this film that day, I'll pay back Ricky Gervais for making me laugh in the most unlikely of places (a Ben Stiller family picture, and an interview with Elmo) by going to see this movie.
I don't ever want to see Jonah Hill's name given the same weight as that of Christopher Guest ever again. Have some respect.
Posted by: samantha t at June 29, 2009 12:31 PM
Looks shit.
Posted by: Tyler at June 29, 2009 12:35 PM
Love Tina and Jennifer. I'm there!
Posted by: Gabs at June 29, 2009 1:00 PM
Doctor Controversy: the TRUE theatre kids will stay home that day and rent the original Fame. At least, that is what I would have done in high school. Instead, I'll be going to see Ricky Gervais. This movie looks awesome!
Side note: I saw Jen Garner in a post office in Cambridge MA about a month ago. So cute in real life!
Posted by: Ariel at June 29, 2009 1:02 PM
It looks cute, but funny? I dunno.
Posted by: Cindy at June 29, 2009 2:13 PM
I just saw Louis C.K. at a local club a few months ago and his new material is fucking incredible. I would follow that man to hell, so yeah, I'll see this.
"You want to marry a strong genetic match" Hah! yes from that trailer, as strange as it may be I think Rob Lowe will be the one who makes me laugh in this movie. Or maybe all that damn prettiness is distracting me.
Movie looks clever though, so I'm there!
Posted by: Mona at June 29, 2009 5:22 PM
Wasn't the biggest fan of EXTRAS, but Gervais and Stewart make beautiful funny together. Christopher Guest, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor, Tina Fey?
Knee-jerk says 'yessity-yes', but I'll have to agree with whoever it was that said 'clever, but funny?'
Still, I don't feel nearly as much rage over an all-white cast as I usually do. Tell Oak Bluffs, I'm not as angry today (about film).
Posted by: Jo 'Mama' Besser at June 29, 2009 5:40 PM
I am really liking the Louis C.K, Christopher Guest (Ricky Gervais is huge fan of his which is fairly apparent from when he interviewed him on his show) and Tina Fey part of this movie. Yay for clever! R.G. kinda reminds me of an upscale Simon Pegg.
That is a pretty funny trailer - I worry that the whole thing won't knock my tits off, but I do trust Gervais overall. And Tina Fey and Louis C.K. in the same film? I'm there, basically.
Tina Fey? Sold. I want to see this movie in the worst way, and only for Tina Fey.
...Alright, I guess the others look good too. But Tina Fey makes me happy in the soul.