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Staff selection. A process that is, in itself, rather cruel. Even before the advent of modern techniques that are intended to provide a better understanding of candidates, and thus lead to the selection of the most suitable one. Perhaps without going as far as the ‘quiet week of holiday terror’ depicted in Christopher Smith’s film Severance. It’s supposed to build team spirit, but it ends in a bloodbath. Do not confuse this film (it’s been 20 years) with the more recent “Severance”: Ben Stiller’s series on Apple TV, where the ‘severance’ concerns the employees, and life outside work must not interfere with office life. A long introduction, because the film directed by and starring Giorgio Pasotti shouldn’t be summarised. Except for the first few minutes: six candidates turn up for a job interview at a multinational corporation. It’s unclear whether they’ll be interviewed together or separately, or even who will be interviewing them. Perhaps some candidates have already been through other ‘interviews’ of this sort, whilst others seem completely in the dark about the method – assuming there even is one. Nothing much seems to have happened yet, and it’s time for lunch. A feast of dairy products—bad news for those who are lactose intolerant. Arguments break out straight away (should they all leave, or wait a bit longer?). Then comes the fancy-dress challenge: there’s a bullfighter’s costume, a tricolour sash, a pope’s tiara and a clown’s mask. Which one to choose?