The Invention of Lying is a 2009 American fantasy romantic comedy film written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson (in their directorial debuts). The film is a comedy set in a world where no one has ever lied, until a writer seizes the opportunity for personal gain. A technical glitch at the bank causes Mark Bellison to invent the art of lying. He is the first person ever to lie and everybody believes him. Using his new found power, he becomes rich and famous.