Ranking EVERY James Bond Henchman From Worst To Best
24. Dr Kaufman (Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997)
The doctor is in - he doesn’t have a lot of screen-time to work with, but this effortlessly efficient German marksman makes the most of his brief appearance to carve out a longstanding reputation as one of 007’s greatest one-scene wonders.
Vincent Schiavelli all but steals the show from Pierce Brosnan as forensic specialist and hitman Dr Kaufman, tasked with staging the death of Elliot Carver’s wife Paris before framing 007 as the triggerman.
He doesn't shy away from the theatrical - lines like “I could shoot you from Stuttgart and still create the proper effect” are just some of the treasures Kaufman gives us in his few minutes on screen.
Though he’s a pristinely experienced assassin, Kaufman doesn’t fancy himself at interrogation. When told to make Bond reveal the secrets of unlocking his fancy BMW, Kaufman openly admits that he feels a little out of his depth. That’s why he’s quick to threaten 007 with torture - something he describes as a hobby.
It’s no wonder the good doctor is also a mentor for the film’s main henchman Mr Stamper - despite his proficiency for causing pain and suffering, Kaufman is so likeable that it’s almost hard not to root for him.