The creators behind the acclaimed horror film, “The Silence of the Lambs,” have recently expressed regret over the portrayal of one of its characters, acknowledging concerns raised by the transgender community.
Despite its release more than 35 years ago on February 14, 1991, the film has faced criticism for not aligning with contemporary social values. This has prompted actor Ted Levine and producer Edward Saxon to issue apologies for the portrayal that many now view as a misstep.
The story, adapted from a novel, centers on a young FBI trainee, portrayed by Jodie Foster, who is on a mission to capture a serial killer known as ‘Buffalo Bill,’ played by Levine.
In her quest, she seeks the expertise of the notorious killer and iconic character, Hannibal Lecter.
At the 1992 Academy Awards, “The Silence of the Lambs” achieved significant success, garnering Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
At the 1992 Oscars, the movie won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Despite its many accolades and worldwide acclaim, Levine’s adaptation of Buffalo Bill has been criticized for perpetuating homophobic and transphobic stereotypes.
In the movie, Buffalo Bill donned women’s clothes and tracked down female victims. He wore their skin as a ‘woman suit’ in an attempt to alter his identity.
The Silence of the Lambs has receiving modern criticism three and a half decades later
Buffalo Bill was portrayed as a serial killer who targeted female victims and wore their skin
The Silence of the Lambs won several Oscars at the 1992 academy awards including Best Picture
Levine told the Hollywood Reporter there are ‘certain aspects’ of the film that fail to meet modern standards.
‘There are certain aspects of the movie that don’t hold up too well,’ he said.
‘We all know more, and I’m a lot wiser about transgender issues. There are some lines in that script and movie that are unfortunate.’
During one highly ridiculed line, Hannibal Lecter said Buffalo Bill is ‘not really transgender.’
‘Billy hates his own identity,’ he said. ‘And he thinks that makes him a transsexual, but his pathology is a thousand times more savage and more terrifying.’
Saxon agreed that Buffalo Bill was not trans or gay, but rather just completely deranged.
‘We were really loyal to the book,’ he said. ‘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,’ he added. ‘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.’
Saxon said he regrets the way Buffalo Bill’s character was portrayed, but it did not come from a place of ‘malice.’
Producer Edward Saxon said he regrets certain, poorly-aged aspects of the cult classic
Jodie Foster starred in the film, winning an Oscar for Best Actress. Anthony Hopkins (right) won the coveted gong for Best Actor, while Jonathon Demme won Best Director
The creators of the film have apologized for Buffalo Bill’s portrayal decades later
Die-hard fans of the movie are outraged that Levine and Saxon are ‘apologizing for one of the greatest horror movies of all time.’
‘Purchase a physical copy of it before it’s deemed “problematic”,’ one person wrote on social media.
‘I guess this is yet another example that many of the greatest films ever made couldn’t be made today,’ added another.
‘The notion that it is transphobic is also absurd…they make it clear the killer Buffalo Bill isn’t trans,’ a third chimed in.
Despite the movie’s cult following, Levine has conflicted feelings about his iconic character.
‘I didn’t play him as being gay or trans. I think he was just a f***ed-up heterosexual man. That’s what I was doing,’ he said.
‘It’s unfortunate that the film vilified that, and it’s f****ed wrong. And you can quote me on that.’
