So, Ricky's first feature film as director, writer and lead actor is on its way. I'll make no bones about it, I am a fan, and although Ghost Town was a slightly underwhelming first foray into leading man territory it was affable enough with charm and sarcastic wit to spare. Taking more creative control this time round, The Invention Of Lying should see him hit his stride with more of the edgy humour from his stand-up routines and The Office, though at first glance the trailer has a whiff of 12A muting. An eclectic if not entirely undesirable supporting cast includes Patrick Stewart, Rob Lowe and an ever expanding Jonah Hill. I'm hopeful.

The Invention of Lying takes place in an alternate reality in which lying - even the concept of a lie - does not even exist. Everyone from politicians to advertisers, to the man and woman on the street speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences. But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark (Ricky Gervais) suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. In a world where every word is assumed to be the absolute truth, Mark easily lies his way to fame and fortune. But lies have a way of spreading, and Mark begins to realise that things are getting a little out of control when some of his tallest tales are being taken as, well, gospel. With the entire world now hanging on his every word, there is only one thing Mark has not been able to lie his way into: the heart of the woman he loves.

You can check out the trailer below the break. It's due an October 2009 theatrical release in UK.