Ted Levine Reflects on Buffalo Bill’s Controversial Portrayal in “The Silence of the Lambs”

Ted Levine, known for his role as Buffalo Bill in “The Silence of the Lambs,” has shared his thoughts on the transphobic criticism the film has faced over the past 35 years.

“There are certain aspects of this movie that don’t fit very well,” Levine noted. The character of Buffalo Bill, also called Jayme Gumm, has faced significant backlash from the transgender community for its portrayal.

Buffalo Bill is depicted as a serial killer who targets women to harvest their skin for his own use. While the film doesn’t explicitly label his sexual orientation, he has often been interpreted as transgender or gender nonconforming.

“We’ve gained a better understanding of transgender issues,” Levine said, acknowledging his own growth in awareness. He admitted there are regrettable lines in the script that haven’t aged well. “It’s unfortunate. The film didn’t do justice to the realities of gender,” he stated firmly.

Levine added, however, “I didn’t play him as gay or transgender. I saw him as just a heterosexual man.” This perspective contrasts with the widespread interpretations of the character.

Alongside Levine, Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lecter, who helps FBI trainee Clarice Starling, portrayed by Jodie Foster, in her quest to catch Buffalo Bill.

“When we made the movie, it was clear that Buffalo Bill was completely abnormal — he wasn’t meant to represent gay or transgender individuals,” stated Edward Saxon, the film’s producer. He acknowledged missing the potential harm stereotypes could perpetuate, now realizing that those portrayals might have had negative impacts.