Another Pass at Troy
1Vanessa Cominsky joins Case and Sam to RAGE against this awkward historical epic!
@vminsky
@womenofwinedc
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Another Pass Full Episode
Originally aired: May 30, 2025
Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan
Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi
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Notes
️ Podcast Introduction & Setup (00:00 - 02:45)
Guest Vanessa Cominsky introduced as Case's coworker from wine/spirits industry and fellow classics major.
Movie Context & Background (02:45 - 09:38)
Analysis of 2004 film Troy as adaptation loosely based on oral tradition.
Discussion of movie within context of early 2000s epic films including Gladiator, 300, and Lord of the Rings trilogy.
David Benioff identified as screenwriter, connecting to later Game of Thrones writing style issues.
Political interpretation: movie reflects 2004 centrist liberal perspective on Middle Eastern conflicts with 'support the troops' messaging.
Film Production & Casting Analysis (09:38 - 19:22)
Vanessa's personal connection: used movie for high school Latin convention project and senior thesis.
Whitewashing criticism - movie depicts conflict between Greece and Middle East with entirely white cast.
Case's viewing experience in Rome during classics trip, creating nostalgic connection to material.
Story Structure & Adaptation Choices (19:22 - 28:32)
Movie covers broader Trojan War story rather than just Iliad, including Trojan Horse sequence not in original epic.
Discussion of movie's approach to gods - humans take credit for actions rather than divine intervention.
️ Character Analysis - Heroes and Villains (28:32 - 38:14)
Agamemnon positioned as main villain representing US imperialism, while Trojans portrayed sympathetically.
Hector vs Achilles juxtaposition works well as respective champions of each side.
Orlando Bloom as Paris criticized as too whiny and lacking roguish charm needed for character.
Eric Bana as Hector praised as everyone's 'big brother' figure and moral center.
Production Design & Technical Elements (38:14 - 47:42)
Costume design highly praised for historical accuracy and visual distinction between Greeks and Trojans.
Director's cut vs theatrical cut - director's cut too long at 3 hours 16 minutes with unnecessary gore.
Runtime issues - theatrical cut feels rushed while director's cut is excessive.
War Portrayal & Geographic Issues (47:43 - 56:37)
Time compression problem - 10-year war feels like weeks or months with no passage of time indicated.
Troy's geography poorly established - unclear city layout and siege logistics.
Siege warfare portrayed as single-direction battle rather than comprehensive blockade.
Thematic Elements & Religious Context (56:38 - 01:05:46)
Gods' role minimized to hint at divine influence without direct intervention.
Moral philosophy embedded in Achilles-Briseis conversations about mortality and divinity.
Historical accuracy questioned regarding Bronze Age vs Classical Greek terminology and social structures.
Casting and Performance Critique (01:05:46 - 01:15:32)
Sean Bean as Odysseus underutilized despite perfect casting choice.
Peter O'Toole as Priam noted as big casting choice but limited screen time.
James Cosmo casting questioned as underused Trojan general.
Improvement Proposals - Sam's Pitch (01:15:32 - 01:26:16)
Improvement Proposals - Vanessa's Pitch (01:26:16 - 01:36:20)
Improvement Proposals - Case's Pitch (01:36:20 - 01:45:13)
Final Discussion & Wrap-up (01:45:13 - 02:05:58)
David Benioff background revealed as Goldman Sachs executive's son, explaining Hollywood access.
Vanessa's organization - Vin Vitalite, DC women in wine industry nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.
Scholarship program launching 2025 for women in wine industry.
Next episode preview - Highlander 2: The Quickening.