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Actor Ted Levine, renowned for his chilling portrayal of Buffalo Bill in the iconic film “Silence of the Lambs,” has addressed the persistent criticisms of transphobia that have surrounded the movie since its debut 35 years ago.
In a reflective conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Levine acknowledged, “There are certain aspects of the movie that don’t hold up too well,” indicating an awareness of the evolving societal perspectives on gender and representation.
Over the years, the depiction of Buffalo Bill, whose real name in the film is Jame Gumb, has been a point of contention, particularly within the transgender community. Critics argue that the character’s portrayal perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
In the movie, Buffalo Bill is portrayed as a serial killer who gruesomely targets women to create a suit from their skin. This portrayal has sparked debate and concern regarding its implications on perceptions of gender identity.
Although the film does not explicitly define Buffalo Bill’s sexual orientation, his characterization as someone who is trans and gender-nonconforming has led to significant discourse about the film’s impact and the portrayal of non-traditional gender identities in media.
“We all know more, and I’m a lot wiser about transgender issues,” he added to the outlet. “There are some lines in that script and movie that are unfortunate.”
“[It’s] just over time and having gotten aware and worked with trans folks, and understanding a bit more about the culture and the reality of the meaning of gender,” Levine said.
“It’s unfortunate that the film vilified that, and it’s f–king wrong. And you can quote me on that,” Levine noted.
Despite that, Levin said about his performance as Buffalo Bill: “I didn’t play him as being gay or trans. I think he was just a f–ked up heterosexual man. That’s what I was doing.”
In the film, Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lecter, who is consulted by FBI trainee Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster.
Lecter is a cannibalistic serial killer who advises Starling, in order to help capture Buffalo Bill.
The film, directed by Jonathan Demme, was released on Valentine’s Day in 1991, and ended up becoming a global hit.
It won five Oscars, including best actor, best actress, best screenplay, best director and best picture.
Demme’s producing partner, Edward Saxon, said to the outlet: “We were really loyal to the book. As we made the film, there was just no question in our minds that Buffalo Bill was a completely aberrant personality — that he wasn’t gay or trans.”
“He was sick. To that extent, we missed it. From my point of view, we weren’t sensitive enough to the legacy of a lot of stereotypes and their ability to harm,” he explained to THR.
“There’s regret, but it didn’t come from any place of malice. It actually came from a place of seeing this guy. We all had dear friends and family who were gay. We thought it would just be very clear that Buffalo Bill adapts different things from society, from a place of an incredibly sick pathology,” Saxon said.