Introduction
“Liar, Liar” is a comedic fantasy drama directed by Tom Shadyac. The protagonist, a high-flying lawyer, cannot lie about his son’s whole birthday celebration since he has disappointed him too many times. On March 21, 1997, the picture finally hit theaters. The film’s narrative and acting also won high reviewers’ and viewers’ marks. The film’s intriguing characters, complex history, and tragic turns have made it a fan favorite. Jim Carrey plays Fletcher Reede, a shady lawyer and divorced father in Los Angeles, in the film Liar, Liar (Kurnia).
Main Theme
In the film, we see that he and his son Max love playing a game in which Fletcher pretends to pursue and tease Max by turning his hand into “the Claw.” On the other hand, Fletcher often prioritizes his profession above his commitments to Max and Audrey (his ex-wife) and then fabricates excuses for his behavior. The main theme of the comedy is the destructive behavior of the protagonist, an egoist whose life suffers from his inattention to loved ones, covered up by constant lies.
Fletcher Reede’s Introduction and His Flawed Character
The character of Fletcher Reede is revealed to the viewer through a combination of introductory scenes. In the first, his son Max tells the teacher that his father is a liar. To which the teacher says: “I am sure you do not mean he is a liar. Oh, I see, you mean he is a lawyer” (Liar Liar 1:37). Max shrugs skeptically as the second scene reveals to us what Fletcher’s son had in mind. The main character appears from the courthouse, where he saves the offender from prison, lies to the people around him, and, instead of meeting with his son, chooses to communicate with the press because it will benefit his career.
The problem of the hero at the beginning of the film is framed through the experiences associated with the loss of his wife and child. Fletcher lied to his ex-wife often and showed little preference for her during their relationship. Their relationship evolves when Fletcher misses his son’s birthday party. Since he never follows through on his promises to improve the situation, his kid wishes he would be unable to lie for a day.
A Turning Point: Fletcher Confronts the Truth
After Fletcher misses the birthday party and finds out that Audrey and Max are going to move to Boston, the first episode occurs in which he speaks the truth to himself. Reede is trying to find an excuse for why he did not come to his son’s birthday and declares: “I’m a bad father” (Liar Liar 36:38). These words amaze him because it is true, and he himself knows it deep inside. The audience understands that he has been lying all this time, not only to others but also to himself. “You are not a bad father… When you show up,” says Audrey, emphasizing the character’s potential to become better (Liar Liar 36:52). Along the way, he grows morally and eventually finds his way back to his family (Kurnia). The movie depicts a narrative of egotism and a selfish protagonist who would stop at nothing to achieve his or her goal. The character has broken several moral and ethical norms.
Another breach of ethics occurs when a lawyer lies in court while abusing his client’s faith in him. Although he is the law’s official representative and must be honest, he cares exclusively about the outcome of his cases and disregards the law’s requirements. Fletcher believes that lying is the only way to win in court and in life. He fabricates intricate tales in which the one in the wrong comes across as the innocent bystander, and his conscience buys into the deception (Azizah).
When he succeeds in winning his case in court with the help of the truth, it begins to change his life attitude. The truth helps him not only as a person but also as a professional. “And the truth shall set you free,” exclaims a pleased Fletcher, who found out that his client was married at 17 and could not sign a prenuptial agreement (Liar Liar 1:02). The case turns in Fletcher’s favor, thanks to wit and truth, and a senior partner in his law firm is pleased with Reede’s performance.
After winning the case, Fletcher immediately experiences the next shock when the client tells him that she wants sole custody of the children. She is motivated by selfishness, greed, envy, and anger, wanting to do as much harm as possible to her ex-husband. Despite “He was a great father,” the client will stop at nothing to achieve her goals (Liar Liar 01:05). This is amazing for Reede because he really loves his son, and for him, guardianship over him and relationships with him are important.
Moreover, using the example of a client, he begins to see what terrible consequences for the surrounding loved ones lead to extreme egocentrism. It is intriguing that in the film, even without lying skills, the protagonist wins the case for his client and sees the fruits of his labor. Because the lawyer could twist the law for his client’s benefit, the father was unfairly removed from his children. Actions that result in the separation of a family, particularly when children are denied access to a parent they want, are inherently inhumane.
The Lawyer’s Breakdown and Moral Awakening
Fletcher breaks down psychologically when he sees how an immoderate client takes the children away, and they are drawn to their father and want to stay with him. This is the scene of an emotional epiphany for Reede, who is disgusted by his boss, the injustice of the system, and his own work, which can break people’s lives. To the words of the judge that he “will hold [Reede] in contempt,” Fletchers answers: “I hold myself in contempt. Why should you be any different?” (Liar Liar 01:08).
People are compelled to live miserable lives and children are taken away because of attorneys who can breach the honesty requirement via such fraud. If a person is going to make a choice, telling the truth is the right and ethical one. The fact that the children and their father wanted to stay together despite the court’s decision adds complexity to the situation.
The values, attitudes, and behaviors of both parents must be assessed if the couple divorces. Both parents should have equal access to their children if they are competent, ethical adults (Azizah). Children should not be doomed to instability just because their parents are divorcing. The courts are often incorrect even though they are supposed to be intelligent and ethical. Thus, this is the typical outcome. The judicial system is a complex mechanism that will rule against an accused individual even if they are innocent due to a lack of proof.
Conversely, someone dishonest but with overwhelming evidence in their favor will be found “not guilty” and awarded the victory (Azizah). It is obvious that making moral and ethical decisions is difficult and that acting with the utmost integrity requires much work. The film serves as a concrete example of unethical and immoral behavior. It portrays the personal troubles that individuals experience while also demonstrating how the court system may occasionally offer favors to persons who should not have them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie depicts individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives despite their material achievements and the presence of supportive family and friends. This demonstrates the fragility of morality and ethics, demonstrating the need for everyone to exercise extreme caution while making decisions about their conduct since losing one’s bearings and immorality is so simple.
Works Cited
Azizah, Nur. An analysis of maxim violation used by fletcher reede in liar movie. Diss. UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, 2019.
Kurnia, Bei. The speech act of requesting in Liar Liar movie. Diss. UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, 2018.
Tom Shadyac, John Debney, J. N. H., John Debney, Jeff Carson & Frank Bennett, B. D. (1997) Liar Liar. USA.