His snake- rattling Amory is just as pathetic as he is creepy. Each same part makes a significant contribution to the complexity and charm of the story. Before Kubrick had left the production, he obviously installed several of his favorite players: Slim Pickens, Tim Carey, Elisha Cook Jr in supporting roles. Nevertheless, his contribution is equal to the leads, and far above everyone else.
Or perhaps he was more relaxed due to his extensive experience working in westerns (or because he was one of the only authentic cowboys on the set). Perhaps it was because he was working with two stellar actors from the method school that spurred him to give them a run for their money. Ben Johnson is mesmerizing in this picture his natural ease with screen acting was well-honed by this time and he has a confidence, a greasy smoothness, in the part of Bob Amory that he hadn't displayed up to this point.
