Jon Bernthal Reveals the Most Terrifying Movie Villain Ever

Jon Bernthal has built a reputation for bringing tough, unforgettable characters to life, from his gritty take on The Punisher to roles as soldiers, cops, and even a Greek hero in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. Despite his affinity for intense roles, Bernthal hasn’t often ventured into horror, with his closest brush being his stint on the first two seasons of The Walking Dead, where his character wasted no time making questionable choices in the midst of chaos.

In a 2017 interview discussing his film Wind River, Bernthal addressed his character’s early exit from the story. Rather than being frustrated by his limited screen time, he explained that a powerful performance doesn’t require a leading role. He referenced The Silence of the Lambs as a prime example, saying,

“What Ted Levine did with his portrayal of Buffalo Bill, there wasn’t much screen time, but it was absolutely haunting. Everyone talks about Anthony Hopkins in that film, which was obviously great, but what Ted did, he created the most horrifying character in the history of film in five or six minutes on film.”

Buffalo Bill’s Chilling Impact

When most people think of Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel, Anthony Hopkins’ Dr. Hannibal Lecter usually steals the spotlight. Yet, the true antagonist is Jame ‘Buffalo Bill’ Gumb, a serial killer who kidnaps women and keeps them captive in a pit before skinning them. Ted Levine’s portrayal of Bill is deeply unsettling, arguably even more so than Hopkins’ iconic villain. The infamous scene where Bill applies makeup and dances to ‘Goodbye Horses’ by Q Lazzarus stands out as one of the film’s most disturbing moments.

Levine’s performance is a masterclass in making a lasting impression with limited screen time. His chilling presence lingers long after his scenes end, proving that a supporting role can leave an indelible mark on audiences.

Oscar Recognition and Overlooked Performances

The Silence of the Lambs made history at the Academy Awards, sweeping major categories including Best Picture, and earning wins for director Jonathan Demme, screenwriter Ted Tally, and stars Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster. Despite this acclaim, Levine received no nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Some might argue his role was too brief, but history shows that even shorter performances have been recognized by the Academy, such as Hermione Baddeley’s nomination for just over two minutes of screen time.

Without Levine’s bone-chilling take on Buffalo Bill, the film wouldn’t have achieved the same level of psychological horror. Bernthal’s praise highlights how a few minutes on screen can define a film’s legacy and haunt viewers for years to come.