Silence of the Lambs Creators Acknowledge Harmful Portrayal
Ted Levine and producer Edward Saxon apologized for Buffalo Bill's depiction, calling parts of the film 'unfortunate' and 'wrong' while saying they were loyal to the book.
Overview
Ted Levine said the film's depiction of Buffalo Bill vilified transgender people and called that portrayal "f------g wrong," adding he now recognizes some lines in the script are "unfortunate."
The film, released on February 14, 1991, won five Oscars and has been criticized for depicting Buffalo Bill as gender-nonconforming and harmful to transgender people.
Producer Edward Saxon said the production was "really loyal to the book," called Buffalo Bill a "completely aberrant personality," and said the filmmakers "weren't sensitive enough" and feel "regret."
The movie's awards included best actor, best actress, best screenplay, best director and best picture, and Levine said he had not previously addressed criticism surrounding Buffalo Bill.
Levine said he has "gotten aware and worked with trans folks" and is "a lot wiser about transgender issues," while Saxon said regret "didn't come from any place of malice."
Analysis
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Sources (3)
FAQ
Ted Levine criticized the film's depiction of Buffalo Bill for vilifying transgender people, calling it 'f------g wrong' and noting some lines in the script as 'unfortunate.'
Edward Saxon said the production was loyal to the book, described Buffalo Bill as a 'completely aberrant personality,' admitted they 'weren't sensitive enough,' and expressed regret without malice.
No, Levine portrayed him as a 'f--ked-up heterosexual man,' and Saxon said they did not consider him trans but an individual with a sick pathology.
The film won five Oscars: best actor, best actress, best screenplay, best director, and best picture.
The character has been criticized for harmful transgender representation, as his gender-nonconforming behavior and desire for a 'woman suit' are seen as vilifying trans and gender-nonconforming people.
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