What was with the bees?
I know there are various interpretations of bee symbolism. They were all over the place in this flick (even hanging in their kitchen). Anybody wanna take a stab?
I was wondering that myself. There were other symbols too, such as the "spilt milk."
shareThey may have ties to shamanism or even paganism (as I believe this takes place in Europe/England). Spilt milk maybe symbolizing wasted life/opportunity or the loss of something important (also keep in mind milk spoils quickly, so it is a precious liquid with a limited life span, ie symbol of man compared to the universe. Pretentious, but this is the 70's); bees I think also symbolized as "life givers" and creators, with the nest instict and ability to create honey (which was used by doctors through the middle-ages, as honey can kill all known forms of bacteria and infection).
share[deleted]
The spilt milk happened immediately after Crossley had discarded the buckle, therefore it symbolised the eradicating of the spell he had Rachel under.
sharehttp://lunedemiel.tm.fr/anglais/06.htm
The hanging bee represents the Higher Self. It remains in the same place and isn't hurt.
Crossley crushes the bee as he begins to challenge Fielding's faith in Christ. He crushes the body of the bee, not its essence. In the same scene there is a jar of honey on the table, representing the bee's essence and abundance.
The bee buzzing into the microphone from the empty jar is Fielding's inner self (or Christ) trying to communicate with him. It then flies away because it can communicate from anywhere. Fielding needs to hear its voice (faith in goodness), not Crossley's shout (evil thoughts issuing out).
The spilled milk symbolises the "richness and sweetness" which flows to those labelled insane. They shout and scream away their illness (the supernatural and all-powerful shout is an illusion) as the rain pours, purifying them and washing away evil (Crossley).
"The royal penis is clean."