For the last two weeks, I've been trying to get through a certain movie on DVD. Considered by most critics a classic (or as one reviewer described it: a "cinematic archetype"), I'd rather not name it because of what I'm about to admit.

I fell asleep during a cinematic archetype.

Four times.

Part of the reason I rented the film was because of the critical acclaim. I had also seen some of the director's other work and liked those movies. Yet, every time I sat down with this one and pressed play, I couldn't watch it for more than five minutes before dozing off.

There wasn't anything particularly sleep-inducing about it. It had plenty of action and suspense. It wasn't a quiet film either. One would think with all of the noise coming from the speakers, I would have stayed awake, but no amount of jarring music, hysterical laughter, disturbing voices or women screaming could do the trick. I was pathetic.

Until last night.

On my fifth attempt, I was finally able to watch the movie all the way through. To celebrate and prove that I could remain conscious for an entire film, I then watched Croupier. I found the Clive Owen movie quite compelling and much easier to view in a single sleepless sitting.