Eyes of a Roman

Eyes of a Roman is an impressive Indie film shot entirely in Texas on a shoestring budget. Charismatic Writer and Director, CJ Goodwyn, assembled a dynamic group of over 200 cast and crew who were passionate about the project, spending hours on physical training, rehearsal, and logistics. I met CJ several years ago and we have worked together on various projects. He is very dedicated to the craft and produces a high quality product.

The film has excellent visual impact with intense and realistic fight scenes. Worthy of Indie film awards, it has many salient nuggets for fans of the period. There were many memorable scenes with strong and moving performances depicting internal conflicts that are relevant today.

The musical score is stellar and serves as a superb backdrop with perfect placement. I was impressed with the wardrobe and weaponry, and can only imagine the coordination involved for such a large cast.

I am a fan of period pieces and will say that the film would have benefited from a bit more script editing and actor fine-tuning to include removal of dialogue and mannerisms not correct for the period.

This Texas film is sure to raise the eyebrows of Roman film fans. I'm excited to see more from Trigoodwyn Productions and CJ Goodwyn. Helmets off to the cast and crew for a job well done!

You have to hand it to the Director, CJ Goodwyn... to shoot a feature length, period epic set in ancient history, on an Indie budget but with a big budget feel.....in Texas!! Just incredible. Some great acting, notably from Les Best and the director himself and a real visual treat with the costumes and props. The musical score is excellent, giving the feel of movies such as Gladiator and of course the editing really sets this apart. As I said, this is an Indie film....not a Hollywood blockbuster, but it delivers in so many ways, you will not be disappointed. Can't wait to see what comes next from Trigoodwyn productions.

The film was shot in the hill country of Texas, and the crew behind this film did a masterful job. Seeing how the cameramen, sound, director, assistant director, and makeup/hair work all in unison on location was a joy to watch. Watching the film, the images are so crisp and vivid, you will wish you could rewind to see them again. Knowing how the director held regular sessions to coordinate 60+ actors through fight choreography training, and how the director encouraged active participation were some of the highlights of being part of this film. Many people contributed blood, sweat, and smiles to make the action scenes of the movie worth the watch, and it shows. Congratulations to the cast and crew.

This movie has some fine attributes despite the low budget. The story, direction and cinematography were what I'd normally see in a higher budget film. The score was very nice as well.

Most of the historical context is fairly accurate and the costumes are fine. However the Parthians of Persia were not barbarians as we see here, they actually had a fairly advanced culture at that time.

Some of the actors were very good, some others less so. The one weakness of the movie is the casting - Crassus was only about 30 when Sulla marched on Rome, and about 40-42 when he won the final battle in the Spartacus slave revolt, so he should have been played by one of the younger actors in the movie.

CJ Goodwyn is an excellent writer and director, but not an impressive actor, so it would have been better if he had cast one of the other actors in the main role.

Overall, it's a good historical movie.

This movie has something for everyone. History buffs will appreciate the period detail involved, but these details wisely did not override the plot. Action aficionados will appreciate the 300esq editing of the fight scenes, but the fight scenes do not dominate the feel.

The writer/director weaves a complex human story of allegiance and loyalty, and asks the age old question of whether nature or nurture plays the larger role in our foundational beliefs.

An imperfect movie, yet so many superior elements are included to belie the independent label. You will see something new each time you watch.