The Invention of Lying
Set in a world where the concept of lying doesn't exist, a loser changes his lot when he invents lying and uses it to get ahead.
Working with a mid-range budget of $18.5M, the film achieved a respectable showing with $32.4M in global revenue (+75% profit margin).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Invention of Lying (2009) demonstrates strategically placed narrative design, characteristic of Ricky Gervais's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Mark Bellison is a unsuccessful screenwriter in a world where no one can lie. He's rejected by Anna on a date for being genetically inferior, establishing his status as a loser in a brutally honest society.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Mark is fired from his job and told he'll be evicted tomorrow. He has no money and no prospects, hitting rock bottom in a society that has no room for failures.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Anna admits she enjoys Mark's company but will marry Brad for his genetics to have superior children. Mark realizes his power can't make Anna love him - a false victory turns to defeat as money and fame prove hollow., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 76 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Frank attempts suicide. Mark saves him but realizes his lies about the afterlife may have contributed to Frank's despair. The "whiff of death" shows that lies, even kind ones, have dangerous consequences., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 81 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Mark crashes the wedding and honestly tells Anna he loves her but releases her to choose freely. Anna realizes Brad is shallow and that happiness comes from connection, not genetics. She chooses Mark authentically, not through manipulation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Invention of Lying's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Invention of Lying against these established plot points, we can identify how Ricky Gervais utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Invention of Lying within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Mark Bellison is a unsuccessful screenwriter in a world where no one can lie. He's rejected by Anna on a date for being genetically inferior, establishing his status as a loser in a brutally honest society.
Theme
Mark's colleague tells him "the world is only made up of winners and losers," introducing the theme that truth without compassion creates a cruel hierarchy, and questioning what makes a meaningful life.
Worldbuilding
Exploration of a world without deception: people brutally express every thought, advertising is painfully honest, movies are just historical readings, and Mark is failing at work and romance because of his "loser" genetics.
Disruption
Mark is fired from his job and told he'll be evicted tomorrow. He has no money and no prospects, hitting rock bottom in a society that has no room for failures.
Resistance
Mark accidentally invents lying at the bank to save himself from financial ruin. He debates what to do with this power, initially using it selfishly for money, sex, and avoiding consequences before discovering its potential.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Mark explores being the only person who can lie: he becomes famous as a religious prophet, gets rich, helps his friends, and pursues Anna. The "promise of the premise" delivers the comedy of one liar in a truthful world.
Midpoint
Anna admits she enjoys Mark's company but will marry Brad for his genetics to have superior children. Mark realizes his power can't make Anna love him - a false victory turns to defeat as money and fame prove hollow.
Opposition
Mark watches Anna plan her wedding to Brad while his religious following grows. His lies create a controlling religion he didn't intend. His best friend Frank suffers depression. Everything Mark gained through lying feels meaningless without genuine love.
Collapse
Frank attempts suicide. Mark saves him but realizes his lies about the afterlife may have contributed to Frank's despair. The "whiff of death" shows that lies, even kind ones, have dangerous consequences.
Crisis
Mark contemplates the weight of his power and its costs. He sits in darkness realizing he's created a false religion, can't have the woman he loves, and nearly lost his best friend. He questions whether lying was worth it.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Mark crashes the wedding and honestly tells Anna he loves her but releases her to choose freely. Anna realizes Brad is shallow and that happiness comes from connection, not genetics. She chooses Mark authentically, not through manipulation.