‘Strangers on a Train’: Tim Robinson’s favourite movie of all time
Like many of our finest comedians, Tim Robinson secured his start by working for Saturday Night Live. The show has spit out some of the funniest writers and actors to grace our screens, with their alumni list boasting huge comedic names like Adam Sandler, Bill Hader and John Mulaney. It’s a melting pot of humour and wit, one that primed Robinson for what was to come.
Since moving on from the writer’s room at SNL, Robinson has become a master of sketch comedy in his own right with I Think You Should Leave, roping in the likes of the Lonely Island, Tim Heidecker and Fred Armisen to help him. One of the weirdest and most wonderful shows to grace screens and streaming services in recent memory, it follows Robinson and his co-stars through strange scenarios including but not limited to car crashes in hot dog suits and sloppy steaks.
Considering just how peculiar Robinson’s own output is, you might expect his personal watching habits to be just as out there. At the very least, you might expect him to love sketches and comedy, the spheres his own work exists within. If you made either of these assumptions, you may be disappointed – or impressed – by Robinson’s actual favourite film. He almost certainly does love those genres, as he leans on them so heavily, but his watching habits extend far beyond them.
Rather than naming a comedy classic or a strange film akin to his own output, Robinson named his favourite movie as Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train during a conversation with GQ. As one of the most well-known and renowned directors of all time, it’s never a surprise when someone names a Hitchcock flick as their favourite, but Strangers on a Train doesn’t quite match up to Robinson’s own interests.
A far cry from Robinson’s bizarre, bold comedic writing, the 1951 film is a tale of murder and mystery. Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel of the same name, the story follows from its title. A railway encounter between two strangers becomes a tale of psychology and psychopathy. Like much of Hitchcock’s filmography, it has become widely known as an all-time great, and among its admirers is Robinson.
Although it is a highly acclaimed film, it’s a somewhat strange pick for the comedic giant. His own work sits so firmly in that humorous realm, so perhaps he enjoys watching darker, more thrilling pictures in his own time. Robinson is yet to venture into this area in his own work, but it would be interesting to see him try his hand at something slightly more serious.
There are elements of darkness and genuine emotion in his comedy – in Bob Odenkirk’s borderline heartbreaking performance in the diner sketch, for example – but he’s yet to commit entirely to this world of drama and solemnity. It’s easy to see why he hasn’t strayed from this realm – he’s a master at it – but we’d still love to see him attempt it.
For now, though, Robinson fans will have to find their fill of drama and thrillers elsewhere. If you’ve exhausted every season of I Think You Should Leave and you’re looking for something a little more serious based on Robinson’s recommendation, maybe consider watching his favourite movie of all time, Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train.
