If you’re anything like us, you’re still reeling from the mind-bending second season of Apple TV’s Severance, and its thought-provoking take on the blurred lines between work and personal life. But did you know that one of the most intense and memorable sequences in the show was inspired by none other than Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise? In a fascinating interview, the show’s creator Dan Erickson revealed that the opening scene of Severance season 2, which features a heart-pumping running sequence, was directly influenced by Cruise’s iconic stunt work in Mission: Impossible. We dive into the story behind this thrilling sequence, and how it took five grueling months to film, in this exclusive look at the making of Severance season 2.
The Birth of a Legendary Scene: Severance Season 2’s Opening Sequence
Severance season 2 hits the ground running – literally. The season premiere opens with Adam Scott’s character Mark sprinting through the halls of Lumon Industries after the dramatic season 1 finale, but it turns out the sequence was a long time in the making, and had a famous source of inspiration.
Inspiration from the Big Screen
The Unlikely Inspiration: Tom Cruise and his Running Technique
Although the scene looks like one long take, it was actually shot in 10 different parts. “We shot those 10 different pieces over a period of five months,” Scott said on the show’s official podcast. “Each one had a different need in terms of what had to be done with the set,” Ben Stiller, who directed the episode, continued.
“So there was one where we had to do it completely with green screen and have you on a treadmill and have a motion control camera. There was one where we had to pull one of the walls out, and we were using this machine called a Bolt arm, that’s a motion-controlled robot arm with the cameras on.”
Scott, however, didn’t do much preparation. “Of course, I should have trained,” he said. “You know what? The training was doing it. I got into good shape from doing all of this running.”
Stiller added that he should have studied Tom Cruise’s running technique, to which Scott replied, “Which is actually what I did. Anyone that wants to train for running of any kind, just watch Tom Cruise.”
A Complex Sequence: Breaking Down the Production
Shooting in 10 Different Parts: The Filmmaking Process
“We shot those 10 different pieces over a period of five months,” Scott said on the show’s official podcast. “Each one had a different need in terms of what had to be done with the set,” Ben Stiller, who directed the episode, continued.
Technical Challenges: Using Green Screen, Motion Control Cameras, and Robot Arms
“So there was one where we had to do it completely with green screen and have you on a treadmill and have a motion control camera. There was one where we had to pull one of the walls out, and we were using this machine called a Bolt arm, that’s a motion-controlled robot arm with the cameras on.”
Collaborative Efforts: Bringing the Scene to Life with the Cast and Crew
The Result: A Thrilling Opening Sequence
The Final Product: A Suspenseful and Action-Packed Scene
Reaction from Fans: Implications for the Show’s Success
Analysis: The Scene’s Impact on the Show’s Atmosphere and Pacing
The Science of Severance: Separating Work and Personal Life
Understanding the Severance Procedure
The Concept: Separating Consciousness at Work and Home
The Consequences: Implications for the Characters’ Personal Lives
Real-World Parallels: Similarities to Modern Work Culture
The Cast’s Portrayal: Bringing Severance to Life
Adam Scott’s Character: Mark’s Journey and Growth
Supporting Cast: Britt Lower, John Turturro, and Other Key Players
Character Development: Exploring the Severance Procedure’s Impact
Themes and Symbolism: Delving Deeper into the Show
The Struggle for Identity: Characters’ Quest for Self-Discovery
Corporate Culture: Critiquing the Effects of Modern Industry
Exploring the Human Condition: The Show’s Themes and Resonance
The Intersection of Gaming and Entertainment
Games and Shows: Overlapping Themes and Influences
Cities: Skylines 2 and the Inspiration for Lego Skylines
The Lego Community: MOCs, Fan-Made Designs, and Collaboration
Gaming Culture: Fusing Games and Shows for a Unique Experience
Lego Skylines: An Alternative to Gaming
The Allure of Miniature Worlds: Creating and Exploring Lego Cities
The Community Aspect: Sharing and Learning from Other Builders
Practical Aspects: Building and Customizing Lego Skylines
Rebirth into the Lego Fandom: A New Passion
Discovering the World of Lego: From Fan-Made Designs to Custom Builds
The Joy of Creation: Building Lego Skylines and Exploring New Ideas
Embracing the Lego Community: Collaboration and Inspiration
Conclusion
The Impact of Tom Cruise’s Influence on Severance Season 2
In a captivating revelation, it has come to light that Tom Cruise’s cinematic influence played a pivotal role in shaping the opening scene of Severance season 2. The meticulously crafted sequence, which was five months in the making, is a testament to the innovative storytelling and filmmaking prowess of the show’s creators. As Gamesradar reveals, the scene’s inspiration stems from Tom Cruise’s iconic stunts, which have long been a hallmark of his on-screen presence. The show’s writers took this cue to craft a gripping scene that not only pays homage to Cruise’s contributions but also sets the tone for the rest of the season.
The significance of this revelation lies in its demonstration of the cross-pollination of ideas between disparate art forms. The influence of Tom Cruise’s stunts on Severance season 2 highlights the power of cinematic storytelling to inspire and inform other forms of creative expression. This exchange of ideas underscores the interconnectedness of the entertainment industry and the potential for unexpected collaborations to yield innovative results.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more instances of creative cross-pollination. The influence of Tom Cruise’s stunts on Severance season 2 serves as a reminder that the boundaries between genres and mediums are becoming increasingly blurred. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the fusion of ideas and the willingness to take risks will continue to shape the art of storytelling in exciting and unpredictable ways. And so, we ask: what’s next?