Severance (EP): Ben Stiller On Lumon Industries And The Apple Comparison

5 min read Post on May 17, 2025

Ben Stiller's Vision for Lumon Industries

The Apple Comparison

Stiller’s deliberate parallels between Lumon's sleek, minimalist aesthetic and the polished image of companies like Apple are not accidental. The pristine, almost sterile, environment of Lumon is strikingly similar to the carefully curated image projected by many modern tech corporations. This comparison, however, is far from complimentary. It subtly underscores the unsettling disconnect between Lumon's outwardly utopian facade and its deeply disturbing inner workings.

Examples from the show: The immaculate, open-plan offices, the minimalist furniture, the uniform attire of the employees, and the pervasive use of calming, muted colors all contribute to Lumon's seemingly idyllic environment.
Quotes from Stiller: While direct quotes specifically mentioning Apple may be limited, interviews with Stiller emphasize the deliberate creation of a seemingly perfect yet profoundly unsettling workspace. The goal was to create a space that felt both alluring and subtly menacing.
The irony: The irony of a seemingly perfect, almost utopian workspace concealing a sinister truth is a key element of the show’s chilling effect. This carefully constructed image mirrors the way corporations often present themselves to the public, hiding potential ethical concerns or exploitative practices.

Creating a Believable Dystopia

Stiller and the production team achieved a remarkable sense of realism within Lumon Industries, making its dystopian nature all the more believable and unsettling. The meticulous attention to detail in set design, costumes, and overall atmosphere elevates the show beyond mere science fiction.

Set design: The stark contrast between the brightly lit, minimalist offices and the dimly lit, mysterious break rooms highlights the control Lumon exerts over its employees. The repetitive architectural features create a sense of claustrophobia and unease.
Costumes: The employees' uniform-like attire further reinforces the dehumanizing aspects of Lumon's corporate culture. Their attire is both practical and restrictive, reflecting the lack of individuality fostered within the company.
Color palette and lighting: The prevalent use of muted tones, particularly in the office spaces, contrasts with the vibrant, yet equally controlled, colors found in the break rooms, emphasizing the separation between work and personal life – a separation which is forcibly enforced.

Exploring the Themes of Corporate Control and Work-Life Balance in Severance

The Severance Procedure and its Implications

The "severance" procedure, the central concept of the show, is a chilling reflection of modern anxieties surrounding work-life balance and corporate control. It allows Lumon to completely separate an employee’s work persona from their personal identity, with potentially devastating psychological consequences.

Explanation of the procedure: The surgical procedure literally divides the employee's consciousness, creating a complete separation between their in-office and out-of-office selves.
Ethical implications: The ethical implications of such a technology are vast and disturbing, raising questions about corporate power, individual autonomy, and the exploitation of workers.
Consequences of severance: The characters grapple with the psychological and emotional ramifications of this extreme form of work-life separation, highlighting the potential dangers of unchecked corporate power.

Lumon's Corporate Culture and its Manipulation

Lumon Industries employs a range of manipulative tactics to control its employees, showcasing the dark side of unchecked corporate ambition. The company's secretive nature, lack of transparency, and psychological manipulation contribute to an oppressive and unsettling atmosphere.

Manipulative techniques: Lumon utilizes subtle and insidious techniques to control its workforce, including reward systems, carefully curated social interactions, and the ever-present threat of unspecified consequences.
Secretive nature: The company's secrecy creates an environment of fear and distrust, reinforcing Lumon's power and the employees' vulnerability.
Response to control: The characters' varied responses to Lumon's manipulation highlight the complex psychological effects of such an environment.

The Show's Impact and Cultural Relevance

Critical Reception and Popular Culture

Severance has garnered widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards and sparking intense discussions across various platforms. Its themes resonate deeply with contemporary society, prompting important conversations about technology, work, and mental health.

Awards and reviews: The show’s accolades include numerous Emmy nominations and wins, further cementing its position as a significant piece of television.
Online discussions: Social media platforms are filled with discussions, fan theories, and memes relating to Severance, demonstrating its significant cultural impact.
Thematic relevance: Severance’s exploration of work-life balance, corporate control, and the psychological toll of modern work resonates with many viewers grappling with similar issues in their own lives.

The Future of Severance

The ending of the first season leaves many unanswered questions, setting the stage for potential future seasons. The show's compelling characters and unresolved plot points leave audiences eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Potential storylines: Future seasons could delve deeper into Lumon's origins, explore the severance procedure in greater detail, or further illuminate the mysterious aspects of the overarching narrative.
Unresolved plot points: The identities of certain characters, the true nature of the severance procedure, and the ultimate goals of Lumon Industries remain shrouded in mystery.
Lingering questions: The show’s open-ended nature encourages speculation and analysis, fueling ongoing conversations among fans.

Conclusion

Ben Stiller's vision for Lumon Industries, with its unsettling Apple-esque aesthetic, perfectly embodies the show's exploration of corporate control and the precarious balance between work and personal life. Severance's impact on popular culture is undeniable, sparking widespread discussion and debate regarding its relevant and unsettling themes. Watch Severance and join the conversation! Dive deeper into the world of Lumon Industries with a thorough Severance review, explore the show's themes through Lumon Industries analysis, and engage in discussions about this thought-provoking dystopian workplace. Severance is more than just a show; it's a reflection of our anxieties and a compelling warning about the future of work.