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Silence of the Lambs Actor on Transphobia
14 Feb
Summary
- Actor Ted Levine regrets the film's portrayal of a gender nonconforming character.
- Levine now has a better understanding of transgender issues.
- The film's producers were loyal to the book, not sensitive enough.
Thirty-five years after "The Silence of the Lambs" captivated audiences, actor Ted Levine, who played Buffalo Bill, has addressed the film's controversial legacy. Levine expressed regret over certain aspects of the portrayal, acknowledging that his understanding of transgender issues has evolved significantly since the 1991 release. He stated that some lines in the script and the film itself are "unfortunate" and that the movie "vilified" gender nonconformity, calling it "fucking wrong."
Levine clarified that his performance aimed to depict a "fucked-up heterosexual man," not a gay or trans character. The film's producers, Edward Saxon and the late director Jonathan Demme, have also reflected on the movie's impact. Saxon noted that while they were loyal to Thomas Harris's novel, they "weren't sensitive enough to the legacy of a lot of stereotypes and their ability to harm."
The acclaimed film, released on February 14, 1991, was a massive success, earning $272 million globally and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Despite its critical and commercial triumph, its depiction of Buffalo Bill has drawn criticism from the transgender community for potentially reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
