The Shining (1980) Stanley Kubrick

I have always thought that the casting in this film was brilliant. Scatman Crothers did work with Jack Nicholson in four films, he did a bit of TV, but acting was a side gig for him, not his bread and butter. He has just a bit part in The Shining, is unknown to most of us and is freed from transference by us of other roles he's played. Under Kubrick's direction, he plays this bit part superbly. 

Barry Nelson is another. Perfectly cast as the face of the Overlook Hotel. You don't expect B-level actors to turn up in Stanley Kubrick films.

The same with Anne Jackson--whoever she was! She is perfectly cast as the matronly doctor who makes a house call when Danny has his first "shining" about the Overlook Hotel, an epileptic-like seizure that Jackson terms "autohypnosis". Her subtle acting here is perfect.

Anne Jackson (physician) What sort of injury?

Shelly Duvall (Wendy Torrance) He dislocated his shoulder.

It was purely an accident.

My husband grabbed his arm to pull him away.

On this particular occasion my husband just used too much strength.

Kubrick’s direction…He gets his actors to give the precise reaction required of the scene. Scatman Crothers, here Shelly Duval and Anne Jackson. Look at the look on Jackson's face! Not overdone, no "Wait. What!", her calm bedside manner masking the deep concern inside her. Notice the cigarette, too. Just like a mom and wife would do in this circumstance—unaware that the ash grows. See next posts for closeups.