Category Archives: News

The Movie Man: Ganey Highly Recommends ‘The Green Knight,’ Says it is ‘Unlike Any Other Fantasy Adaptation’

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Kevin Ganey is ‘The Movie Man.’

​After more than a year of abstaining from movie theaters, as well as keeping up with new releases (since we were all so incredibly overwhelmed by the tumultuous year that was 2020), I was finally able to screen a new movie in the manner in which this medium was originally intended: on the big screen, sitting among strangers.

I can say unequivocally that it was good to be back!

The Green Knight is unlike any other fantasy adaptation that I have screened throughout my life. (Here is a link to the official trailer for the movie to give you just a sense of it.)

Abandoning the traditional methods used for films among the likes of Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, or The Lord of the Rings, the film takes an unnatural approach through unusual cinematography and editing (perhaps to best emphasize the surrealism of medieval legends), akin to the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, Terrence Malick, or the newly recognized Ari Aster (Heredity and Midsommer).

While this film is a fantasy in terms of setting and events, it also blends a thought-provoking arthouse air with what is presented.

​I will be completely forthcoming and share that I did not understand many aspects of this movie. Despite this, I will hail it as fantastic.

Why? Because it reminds me of the genre usually produced by the artists I previously mentioned. And like the works of Anderson, Malick, and Aster, I anticipate an analysis to be made available, and I will gain a further appreciation for this piece.

​This is not an entirely faithful adaptation of the legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (rarely can one adapt one medium while retaining every aspect of its source material). However, there are many instances in which those behind the movie were able to adapt the original poetic dialogue of the epic in a manner fitting for a motion picture, the lines able to convey the grandness of the subject at hand.

To be fair, the only way I was able to notice these differences was by looking up the summary of the original epic. The last time I read it was during my British literature class senior year of high school (okay, I was assigned it and just listened to my teacher and classmates discuss it. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has done that!)

​For me, the greatest satisfaction came in the depiction of the title character, the Green Knight.

Going back to my high school years, if this story ever came to mind, I would wonder how this character would be portrayed. How would he be green? What would give him the recognition and terror that was woven into his identity?

Enter a man who appears to be a hybrid between human and vegetation, and a bellowing English countryside voice (provided by Ralph Ineson).

The Knight requires an appearance that would make him inhuman and terrifying. How else could we justify a character who, upon challenging Gawain and the rest of King Arthur’s court to chop off his head, was able to arise and carry said head off with him? (Not a complete spoiler, as this is the central driving plot of the original epic poem).

In short, I urge everyone who appreciates the fantasy and arthouse genre to see The Green Knight

Above all, I urge all of us to search for an analysis of the movie that will give us a greater appreciation of it. While many pieces of art embrace what appear to be bizarre and nonsensical (think Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody), a proper walkthrough can make us fall in love with the unusual.

About the Author: Though no longer a resident of Lyme, Kevin knows he can never sever his roots to the tree of his identity. When not attending to his job in Boston, he is committed to ensuring a better grasp of current (and past) releases of cinema to his home community as he strives to leave his own mark in the same field that has always been his guide to understanding life. If you enjoy his published reviews here on LymeLine.com, follow him on his new website at ‘The City of Cinema‘ and read more of his unique insights into entertainment.

Ledge Light Announces Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Gales Ferry

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A press release from LLHD states that a racoon in Gales Ferry, “…  was tested and found to be positive for rabies on Aug. 3.”

NEW LONDON — Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) has announced that a raccoon in the Town of Gales Ferry was tested and found to be positive for rabies on Aug. 3.

On account of that finding, LLHD says, “The public should refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals” in the towns covered by their Health District. These include both Lyme and Old Lyme.

In a press release issued Aug. 10, LLHD states, “Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people. It is  spread mostly by wild animals, but stray cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus. The  rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from  infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or  mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)”  

If you have any questions or concerns, contact LLHD at 860-448-4882 or Ledyard Animal Control at 860-464-9621.

Lyme RTC Announces Slate of Candidates for November Election; Cross-Endorses Mattson (D) for First Selectman

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LYME — David Lahm, chair of the Lyme Republican Town Committee (RTC) has announced that the Lyme Republicans met for a caucus on Monday, July 26, to endorse a slate of candidates for the Nov. 2, 2021 Municipal Election. 

The following individuals were endorsed for the positions indicated by all in attendance (I denotes the candidate is an incumbent):

Selectman:  David Lahm

Board of Finance:  Bruce Anderson

Board of Finance Alternate:  Thomas St. Louis

Planning & Zoning Commission:  David Tiffany (I)

Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate:  Frederick Gahagan (I)

Zoning Board of Appeals:  David Lahm (I)

In addition incumbent Democrat First Selectman Steve Mattson was cross-endorsed.

After the endorsements were announced, a Lyme RTC spokesperson commented, “Lyme voters of all parties value the importance of working together in the governance of the town going forward.”

Legal News You Can Use: Liability of Social Hosts, Dram Shops in Connecticut

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When a person provides alcoholic beverages to guests in his or her home, that person may face legal consequences for an intoxicated guest’s actions. Specifically, if an intoxicated guest causes an injury to him or herself or to another person in a car accident, the social host who served the guest alcohol could be held responsible.

Social host liability

Social host liability is based on the idea that the host has an obligation to the public to serve alcohol safely. In Connecticut, social host liability also extends to serving guests, who are under the legal drinking age of 21.

There is a public concern that due to their inexperience, younger people cannot manage the effects of alcohol responsibly and there is an interest in keeping the roads safe from drunk drivers.

In Connecticut, the social host may be subject to jail time or a fine for violations.

Dram shop liability

In addition to social host liability, Connecticut also recognizes dram shop liability. Under the Dram Shop Act, an alcohol seller may be responsible if he or she sells alcohol to a person who is intoxicated.

If that person causes injuries to another person or property in a drunk-driving accident, the seller may be liable. The seller may also have to pay significant damages. Dram shop claims must be made within one year of the alcohol sale.

Drunk-driving accidents can cause serious injuries including cuts, bruises, broken bones, traumatic injuries and even death.

An experienced attorney can help identify the responsible parties, can pursue compensation on the injured person’s behalf and can provide guidance about other appropriate next steps.

Attorneys at Suisman Shapiro can discuss the divorce process with you and answer your questions on the subject. Visit their website or call 800-499-0145 — lines are open 24 hours a day.

This is a sponsored post by Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Old Lyme’s Shoreline Community Center Looks to Install Solar Panels Through Innovative Fundraiser

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Trinity Solar workers are seen here installing solar panels on a house in Sound View.

Trinity Solar to Donate $100 to Shoreline Community Center’s Planned Solar Installation for Every Homeowner, who has Appointment to Learn More About Solar

OLD LYME — When some of the board members of the Sound View Beach Association, Inc. (SVBA) recently had solar panels installed on their homes, they became aware that there were additional benefits in addition to the ell-documented ones of saving money on their electric bills while also having a positive impact on the environment. 

Gail Fuller, who currently serves as SVBA President, explains, “We discovered a fundraising opportunity that would make possible the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Shoreline Community Center.” The Center is located on Hartford Ave. and sponsored by the SVBA. 

The Center’s bills for electricity in the summer total around $400 a month, which is a financially challenging amount for a small, non-profit organization. To reduce electricity costs year-round, the SVBA Board had determined their best option was to install solar panels on the Center’s roof.

Fuller points out, “This, however, would represent a major expense for the SVBA since the Center is designated a commercial building and therefore not eligible for federal, residential grants.”

The Shoreline Community Center board is hoping to raise sufficient funds to install solar panels on the Center’s roof.


In support of the Shoreline Community Center’s fundraiser, Trinity Solar has offered to donate $100 to the SVBA for every homeowner, who has an appointment in their home with one of their solar experts. If Trinity Solar subsequently installs solar panels on that home — regardless of the town in which the house is sited — the Center will receive $1,000 towards its own solar installation.  
Trinity Solar will provide home- and property-owners with a no-cost solar installation funded by federal grants for residential homes. 
 
There is no commitment for signing up for an appointment. The benefit is learning more about solar from a company that has been in business for many years and is also supporting the community.  
Trinity Solar states on its website, “We believe solar is the most practical form of renewable energy on the planet and seek to make it accessible to as many people as possible.” 
 
Fuller comments enthusiastically, “The SVBA is excited about this fundraiser and the opportunity to install solar [panels] on the Shoreline Community Center.”  
She notes, “If you are considering solar or would just like to learn more about your options, make sure to contact Trinity Solar through our partnership. There are two ways to sign up.  You can click on this link and enter your name, address and contact information or call 800-655-2500 and be sure to mention the Sound View Beach Association.”
Editor’s Note: For more information about Trinity Solar, visit their website.