Ted Levine has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding Buffalo Bill in Silence Of The Lambs. Levine played the role in the 1991 smash hit. In the movie, the serial killer in question would murder women and wear their skin over their own.
Videos by Wide Open Country
However, in recent years, criticism has been aimed at the movie. Most of the claims are that it produces a negative portrayal of the transgender community.
"[It's] just over time and having gotten aware and worked with trans folks, and understanding a bit more about the culture and the reality of the meaning of gender," Levine told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's unfortunate that the film vilified that, and it's f***ing wrong."
During his interview, Levine did explain that Buffalo Bill's character was never intended to be an unspoken commentary on the transgender community.
"There's regret, but it didn't come from any place of malice," he continued. "It actually came from a place of seeing this guy. We all had dear friends and family who were gay. We thought it would just be very clear that Buffalo Bill adapts different things from society, from a place of an incredibly sick pathology."
Levin and his Silence Of The Lambs co-stars never intended to cause offense. Nevertheless, they understand that times have changed, and with it, the movie has aged terribly, leading to unintended consequences.
Ted Levine Is Joining Apple's 'Cape Fear' Series
With experience in horror movies, Ted Levine has been signed up to participate in Apple TV's 10-episode mini-series, Cape Fear. He will be joined by Ron Perlman from Hellboy and Margarita Levieva from Daredevil: Born Again.
The show, which is shaping up to have an all star cast, will also be produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Javier Bardem of No Country For Old Men, Amy Adams from Arrival, and Patrick Wilson of The Conjuring are also expected to star on the show.
With so much talent, both on screen and in production, Cape Fear has a chance to be a major hit. Levine is expected to hold a sizeable role on the show. And based on the money Apple is throwing behind it, we should expect fireworks once it's released.
