Ben Stiller On Severance: The Apple Comparison And What It Means For Lumon Industries

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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The Apple Comparison: A Deliberate Choice by Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller’s direction in Severance isn't just about crafting a visually stunning show; it's about subtly weaving a narrative that resonates deeply with our contemporary anxieties about corporate culture. The show’s frequent comparisons to Apple, both explicit and implicit, are far from accidental. Lumon Industries, the enigmatic corporation at the heart of the story, embodies a chillingly familiar aesthetic. Its clean lines, minimalist design, and focus on technological advancement all mirror Apple's design philosophy, creating a sense of both allure and unease. This juxtaposition is key to the show's effectiveness.

• Visual Similarities: The stark white interiors of Lumon, the meticulously organized workspaces, and the sleek, modern technology all evoke the clean, minimalist aesthetic synonymous with Apple products. The overall feel is one of sterile perfection, a stark contrast to the disturbing realities hidden beneath the surface.
• Irony of Benevolence: The irony is palpable. Lumon Industries presents itself as a benevolent tech company, offering innovative solutions and seemingly caring for its employees. This façade, however, masks the sinister nature of the severance procedure, highlighting the potential for even the most seemingly progressive companies to harbor deeply unethical practices.
• Technology as Control: The show masterfully uses technology not as a tool for empowerment, but as a tool for control. Lumon leverages technology to maintain its grip on its employees, blurring the lines between work and personal life in a way that is both unsettling and eerily plausible in our increasingly digital world.

Lumon Industries as a Reflection of Modern Corporate Structures

Severance doesn't simply present a fictional dystopia; it acts as a sharp critique of modern corporate practices and their potential for dehumanization. Lumon Industries' actions serve as a cautionary tale, reflecting many of the anxieties surrounding contemporary work culture.

• Work-Life Imbalance: The severance procedure itself represents the extreme of work-life imbalance. The complete separation of an employee's "innie" and "outie" personalities illustrates the pressures faced by many to prioritize work above all else. The show forces us to confront the potential consequences of this extreme focus on productivity and loyalty.
• Employee Surveillance: The constant monitoring and control exerted by Lumon highlight the pervasiveness of surveillance in modern workplaces. This is not just about security cameras; it encompasses the psychological manipulation and subtle control mechanisms designed to ensure productivity and conformity.
• Suppression of Individuality: Lumon systematically suppresses individuality, demanding conformity and stifling creativity. This reflects real-world anxieties surrounding corporate environments where employees are often expected to prioritize the company's needs above their own. The "severance" itself is the ultimate symbol of this suppression, severing the individual from their own sense of self.

The Role of Technology in Lumon's Control Mechanisms

The technology within Lumon is not merely a backdrop; it’s a crucial element of its oppressive system. The severance procedure itself is a testament to technological advancement applied to nefarious ends.

• Technological Tools: The "severance" procedure, the memory-erasing devices, the monitoring systems—all these showcase the capacity of technology to manipulate and control human experience.
• Future Advancements: Severance raises ethical questions about the potential for future advancements in similar technologies. The show encourages us to consider the implications of technologies that could similarly separate our conscious selves into distinct compartments.
• Ethical Considerations: The ethical dilemma at the heart of the show is clear: how far is too far in the pursuit of productivity and efficiency? The show compels us to contemplate the potential for misuse of advanced technologies, particularly in the context of corporate power.

Ben Stiller's Directorial Vision: Shaping the Dystopian World of Severance

Ben Stiller's directorial choices are instrumental in shaping the unsettling atmosphere of Severance. His keen eye for detail and ability to create tension contribute significantly to the show’s overall impact.

• Directorial Choices: Stiller's direction expertly uses visual cues, lighting, and sound design to create a constant sense of unease and mystery. The muted color palette, the sterile environments, and the unsettling musical score all contribute to this atmosphere.
• Cinematography, Sound, Editing: The cinematography, sound design, and editing all work in harmony to enhance the psychological thriller aspects of the show, creating a disturbingly believable world where the line between reality and illusion blurs constantly.
• Stiller's Style: While different from some of his comedic works, Stiller's signature attention to detail and ability to build suspense are evident throughout Severance, adding another layer to the show's overall effectiveness.

The Enduring Impact of Ben Stiller's Severance: A Deeper Look at Lumon Industries

Ben Stiller's Severance is more than just a captivating thriller; it’s a powerful commentary on the modern workplace and the potentially dehumanizing effects of unchecked corporate power and technological advancements. The deliberate use of the Apple comparison serves as a clever and effective way to highlight the anxieties surrounding our increasingly technology-driven world. Lumon Industries functions as a chilling reflection of our own societal anxieties, prompting us to question the ethical implications of modern corporate practices. Stiller’s masterful direction solidifies this commentary, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant show.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on Ben Stiller's vision for Severance in the comments below. What are your interpretations of the Apple comparison? How does the show’s commentary on corporate culture resonate with you? Let's discuss! Use the hashtags #Severance #BenStiller #LumonIndustries #Apple to join the conversation and explore other articles delving into the show's fascinating themes. Keep the conversation on Severance going!