The Silence of the Lambs team apologizes to transgender community

Actor Ted Levine and producer Edward Saxon said they regret aspects of The Silence of the Lambs' portrayal of the Buffalo Bill character, and acknowledged parts of the film do not meet modern standards. The film, released in 1991, has prompted renewed debate about its legacy.

Creators of the film The Silence of the Lambs have expressed regret about how one character was portrayed and said parts of the movie do not meet modern standards. The film was released in 1991 and won multiple Academy Awards in 1992. Critics and viewers have revisited the movie’s depiction of the Buffalo Bill character in recent discussion. The actors and a producer involved spoke publicly about those concerns. Reported details: - Actor Ted Levine and producer Edward Saxon said they regret certain aspects of the film’s portrayal of the Buffalo Bill character and acknowledged they are more aware of transgender issues now. - The movie follows an FBI trainee who seeks help from Hannibal Lecter to track a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, a character depicted as targeting female victims and attempting to change identity. - Levine said he did not portray the character as gay or transgender and described the role as a disturbed individual; Saxon said they had been loyal to the source book but missed how stereotypes could cause harm. - The film won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1992 Academy Awards. - The creators’ remarks have prompted public reaction, including voices defending the film and others noting the harm of old stereotypes. Summary: The producers’ and actor’s comments have renewed public discussion about the film’s legacy and its portrayals. Undetermined at this time.