Is 'Severance' Set in the 80s? A Deep Dive into the Decade's Influence
Hello there, curious minds! Today, we're diving into the intriguing world of Apple TV+'s hit series, Severance. You might be wondering, "Is Severance set in the 80s?" Well, buckle up as we explore the show's unique take on time and its connection to that iconic decade. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and is severance set in the 80s.
The 80s Vibe: Aesthetics and Atmosphere
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. Severance doesn't take place in the 80s, but it sure as hell feels like it. So, why the throwback vibe? Creators like to play with our nostalgia buttons, and boy, does Severance deliver. The show's visuals, music, and overall atmosphere are heavily influenced by the 80s, but it's not just a case of style over substance.
A Neon-soaked World
From the neon-lit corridors of Lumon Industries to the synth-pop soundtrack, Severance is a love letter to the 80s. The show's color palette is straight out of a Miami Vice episode, with vibrant hues of pink, purple, and teal. It's a visual feast that transports us back to a time when big hair and even bigger shoulder pads ruled the world.
The Music: A Synth-tastic Journey
The music in Severance is a character itself, with a killer soundtrack that includes gems like The Smiths, New Order, and even some Depeche Mode. Each episode is a mix tape of 80s classics, perfectly curated to set the mood and enhance the storytelling. It's not just about the tunes, though; the music is used to highlight the emotional beats and create a sense of unease, much like in the best 80s horror flicks.
The 80s Influence: Storytelling and Themes
Now, let's talk about the meat and potatoes – the story and themes that make Severance a standout show. While it might not be set in the 80s, the decade's influence runs deep.
Corporate Culture and the American Dream
Severance explores the dark side of corporate culture, with Lumon Industries serving as a sinister stand-in for any soulless, profit-driven company. The show's critique of unchecked capitalism and the American Dream is straight out of a 80s film like Wall Street or Brazil. It's a stark reminder of the decade's economic boom and the excess that came with it.
Technology and Identity
In the 80s, technology was booming, and so was the fear of what it might do to us. Severance taps into this anxiety with its exploration of identity and memory in a world dominated by tech. The show's central premise – employees undergoing a procedure to "sever" their memories – is a chilling take on the 80s obsession with the self and the fear of losing it.
The Cold War and Paranoia
The shadow of the Cold War looms large over Severance, with its themes of secrecy, surveillance, and paranoia. The show's sterile, Orwellian offices and the constant threat of the mysterious "Optics" team are straight out of the 80s, a time when paranoia was the national pastime.
The 80s Influence: Character Archetypes
Finally, let's talk about the characters that bring this 80s-infused world to life. Severance is filled with archetypes that'll feel familiar to anyone who grew up on 80s movies.
The Reluctant Hero
Mark Scout (Adam Scott) is our everyman hero, a guy just trying to make it through the day. He's the perfect blend of everyman and anti-hero, a character type that was all the rage in the 80s. From E.T. to Die Hard, the 80s loved a good ol' underdog.
The Mysterious Woman
Helly Raines (Brit Marling) is our femme fatale, a woman with a secret and a dangerous allure. She's a classic 80s character, the kind of woman who'd be right at home in a Blade Runner or Alien flick.
The Weird Science Guy
Irv (John Turturro) is our eccentric genius, the mad scientist with a heart of gold. He's a staple of 80s cinema, from Back to the Future to Ghostbusters.
So, Is Severance Set in the 80s?
No, Severance isn't set in the 80s, but it sure feels like it. The show's creators have taken the best bits of the decade – the vibrant colors, the killer tunes, the paranoia – and used them to create a unique, unsettling world. It's a masterclass in using nostalgia to enhance storytelling, and a testament to the enduring influence of the 80s.
So, there you have it, folks. Severance might not be set in the 80s, but it's a love letter to the decade all the same. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some 80s tunes to listen to and a serious case of nostalgia. Until next time, stay curious!
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