"I had a wonderful time playing Dr. Kaufman in Tomorrow Never Dies. It was a real Bond villain, over the top, almost laughable but dangerous"

Vincent Schiavelli’s reflection on his experience as Dr. Kaufman in *Tomorrow Never Dies* conveys an appreciation for both the iconic style and the self-aware camp that defines many James Bond villains. In recalling his time with the character, he emphasizes the duality of being “over the top, almost laughable but dangerous.” This speaks to a core tradition within the Bond franchise: villains who are theatrical in their evil, possessing mannerisms or traits that verge on caricature. Schiavelli frames Dr. Kaufman within this lineage, showing a clear understanding that Bond antagonists often embody a blend of panache and menace that is as entertaining as it is threatening.

His use of “over the top” implies that the character was written and performed with a degree of exaggeration. Rather than shun or criticize this, Schiavelli appears to embrace it, recognizing that such roles offer actors the freedom to explore eccentricities and embrace larger-than-life attributes. The phrase “almost laughable but dangerous” captures an essential tension in classic Bond villains, they are memorable because they flirt with the absurd, yet maintain enough threat to present a real challenge to 007. The humor, intentional or otherwise, does not fully dilute their peril. This balance is key to the enduring appeal of these characters and to the fun that many actors experience in such roles.

Describing Dr. Kaufman as a “real Bond villain” suggests pride in having contributed authentically to the series’ established mythos. For Schiavelli, playing a Bond adversary was to occupy a space marked by tradition, eccentric storytelling, and a self-awareness unique to the franchise. In his words, there is an implicit acknowledgment that the most effective villains are those who leave a memorable impression, combining danger with idiosyncratic charm. The quote captures the joy of performing with a sense of theatricality while appreciating the lasting cultural resonance of Bond villains.