Who says history doesn't repeat itself? When it comes to Best Picture, certain ingredients virtually guarantee Oscar's notice. And while 1995 didn't offer any films with a Gump factor (a mentally challenged hero), handicappers should note that there are plenty of statuette-grabbing formulas still at work.
Braveheart:
Terms of Endearment syndrome (star dies)
The Amadeus retro look (lavish costumes)
Meryl Streep-itis (funny accents)
The Bertolucci influence (foreign director)
The Rocky element (underdog hero)
Dead Man Walking
Terms of Endearment syndrome (star dies)
Meryl Streep-itis (funny accents)
The Lost Weekend buzz (substance abuse)
Leaving Las Vegas
Terms of Endearment syndrome (star dies)
The Bertolucci influence (foreign director)
The Lost Weekend buzz (substance abuse)
Sense and Sensibility
The Amadeus retro look (lavish costumes)
Meryl Streep-itis (funny accents)
The Bertolucci influence (foreign director)
Babe
Meryl Streep-itis (funny accents)
The Bertolucci influence (foreign director)
The Rocky element (underdog hero)
