You see a lot of good ideas or well-written scripts that are bad ideas.
Meaning of the quote
Sometimes, even if an idea or script seems good, it may not actually be a good idea. Just because something is well-written or appears interesting, doesn't mean it's a smart or practical choice. The director is saying that you need to look beyond the surface and really think about whether an idea or script is truly a good one, even if it seems appealing at first.
About John McTiernan
John McTiernan is an acclaimed American filmmaker known for his action-packed movies like Predator, Die Hard, and The Hunt for Red October. However, he faced legal troubles later in his career, including a conviction for perjury and a prison sentence.
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