Severance's Lumon Industries: A Look At The Apple Comparison Made By Ben Stiller

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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The Superficial Similarities: Lumon and Apple's Polished Facades

At first glance, the resemblance between Lumon Industries and Apple is striking. Both entities project an image of sleek, minimalist design and technological advancement. The aesthetic similarities are undeniable:

• Lumon's sterile office environment evokes the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of Apple's iconic retail stores and its futuristic California campus.
• The advanced technology showcased in both settings is striking: Lumon's controversial severance procedure mirrors Apple's constant innovation in product design and technological prowess. Both organizations are presented as pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Efficiency and productivity are paramount in both. The relentless pursuit of optimal performance is a core value seemingly shared by both Lumon Industries and, arguably, Apple.

However, these surface-level similarities mask a chasm of fundamental differences that invalidate a direct comparison between Lumon and Apple. The veneer of polished modernity hides a far more sinister reality within Lumon Industries.

The Deep Dive: Where Lumon Diverges from Apple's Reality

The core difference lies in Lumon's ethically bankrupt practices. While Apple faces its share of criticism regarding labor practices and environmental concerns, Lumon operates on a completely different plane. The invasive severance procedure, the manipulative environment, and the complete disregard for employee well-being paint a picture far removed from Apple's (relatively) public image and corporate responsibility initiatives.

• Transparency and ethics: Lumon operates in complete secrecy, lacking any ethical considerations, unlike Apple, which—despite imperfections—attempts to maintain a public image of corporate responsibility.
• Psychological manipulation and control: Lumon's structure actively fosters manipulation and control over its employees, a stark contrast to Apple's (comparatively) less overtly controlling workplace.
• Dystopian implications: Lumon represents a dystopian vision of corporate power, whereas Apple's operations, while undeniably powerful, remain largely consumer-focused.

One might argue that the intense pressure and demanding work culture often associated with large tech companies like Apple share some similarities with Lumon's oppressive environment. However, even acknowledging these pressures, the fundamental lack of ethical considerations and the sheer level of manipulation within Lumon mark a critical divergence.

Ben Stiller's Directorial Choices and the Apple Allegory

Ben Stiller’s directorial choices are crucial in shaping the audience’s perception of Lumon Industries and its relationship to tech giants like Apple. Stiller masterfully uses visual language to create a disturbingly effective allegory:

• Color palettes and set design: The use of stark, clean lines and a muted color palette creates a sense of sterile beauty, but the underlying unease is palpable, hinting at the horrors lurking beneath the surface.
• Subtle visual cues: The cinematography subtly highlights the manipulative nature of Lumon, revealing the oppressive atmosphere through carefully composed shots and deliberate camera angles.
• Character experiences: The show's characters' experiences vividly illustrate the potential dangers of unchecked corporate power, echoing anxieties surrounding the influence of powerful tech companies.

Stiller cleverly employs the visual language associated with tech companies like Apple, but he ultimately twists and subverts it to expose the dark underbelly of corporate power. The polished facade is a deliberate choice, making the dystopian reality all the more chilling.

Beyond the Comparison: Lumon as a Metaphor for Modern Corporate Culture

While the Apple comparison offers a useful entry point, Severance transcends a simple allegory. Lumon Industries serves as a powerful metaphor for broader issues within modern corporate culture:

• Alienation and dehumanization of workers: The show poignantly portrays the alienation and dehumanization experienced by workers within a capitalist system.
• Blurring lines between work and personal life: The severance procedure literally and figuratively blurs the boundaries between work and personal life, highlighting the pervasive nature of work in contemporary society.
• Technology's duality: Severance explores the dual nature of technology – its potential for both good and evil, showcasing how technological advancements can be used to both enhance and exploit human lives. This is a relevant concern considering the ever-increasing influence of technology in our daily lives and the ethical dilemmas it presents.

Conclusion: Unpacking the Lumon Industries Mystery and Its Relevance

In conclusion, while the superficial similarities between Lumon Industries and Apple provide an accessible point of entry for understanding Severance's themes, the profound differences and darker implications of Lumon ultimately render a direct comparison insufficient. Ben Stiller’s masterful direction uses the visual language of tech companies to create a chillingly realistic portrayal of corporate power. The show serves as a potent critique of modern corporate practices, exploring the alienation, manipulation, and dehumanization inherent in unchecked corporate ambition. Watch Severance and join the conversation. Explore further with a deep dive into Lumon Industries analysis, dissect Severance's corporate critique, and unravel the unsettling world of Lumon. The mysteries of Lumon Industries, and the disturbingly relevant questions it raises about our own relationship with work and technology, are far from solved.