1. Abuse
An Oscar can only be brought to life through pain. If the hero/heroine is brought low, or worse, if they are the one inflicting such destruction, it reminds the world that even the protagonist is not perfect. Lincoln lied, and did his best to deceive those he was trying to work with, while Whip Whitaker in Flight constantly inflicted pain upon himself and those who sought to help him. In a world where we try to make sense of who is right and who is wrong, it is not just schadenfreude that pulls us to these films of human indecency and victimization. It is the hope that we, too, we imperfect creatures, can one day be heroes. Any ingredient you believe was left out? Please comment below!