Directing
Jan 7, 1951
Albany, New York, USA
John McTiernan
Directing
Biography
John Campbell McTiernan Jr. (born January 8, 1951) is an American filmmaker. He is best known for his action films, especially Predator (1987), Die Hard (1988), and The Hunt for Red October (1990). His later well-known films include the action-comedy-fantasy film Last Action Hero (1993), the action film sequel Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), the heist-film remake The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), and The 13th Warrior (1999). His last completed feature film was the mystery-thriller Basic, released in 2003. He pleaded guilty to perjury and lying to an FBI investigator in regard to his hiring of the private investigator Anthony Pellicano in late 2000 to illegally wiretap the phone calls of two people, one of whom was Charles Roven, a co-producer of his dystopian science-fiction action film remake Rollerball (2002). He was incarcerated in federal prison from April 2013 to February 2014. During his imprisonment, he filed for bankruptcy amidst foreclosure proceedings for his large ranch residence.
Feature Films (11)
This short documentary explores just how the film Pumping Iron revolutionized the fitness industry and created an international icon in Arnold Schwarzenegger. It also touches on what Hollywood's idea of an action star was and is.
Iron and Beyond
TV special featuring interviews with Wayne Newton, Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul Jabar, Rudolph Giuliani, Mike Ditka, and Ice-T. Aired on CBS ahead of a screening of Die Hard 2, the day before the third film was released.
A Night to Die For
This program features the standard mix of movie clips, production materials, and interviews. Cast and crew start at the beginning and discussed the acquisition of the rights to Clancy's novel and various adaptation issues. They then went into casting, research for the roles, and many technical topics related to the subs and other special effects concerns.
Beneath the Surface: The Making of 'The Hunt for Red October'
A behind-the-scenes look at the 1987 sci-fi/action film that has since become one of the modern classics, about a team of special forces soldiers who find themselves being stalked and killed by a hunter from another world. Includes interviews with the cast and crew, who relate their experiences in bringing this film to life. Produced for the “Predator” DVD.
If It Bleeds We Can Kill It: The Making of 'Predator'
A documentary on the making of THE 13TH WARRIOR with interviews from the director, cast and crew, and some behind-scenes footage.
In Search Of the Dead Eaters
Documenatry exploring the complexities of shooting in the jungle. Produced for the “Predator” DVD.
Predator: Welcome to the Jungle
Documentary focusing on character personalities and weapons used by each actor. Produced for the “Predator” DVD.
Predator: Character Design
Documentary which takes a closer look at the film’s stunts. Produced for the “Predator” DVD.
Predator: Classified Action
Documentary focusing on actor Kevin Peter Hall, who played the Predator. Produced for the “Predator” DVD.
Predator: The Life Inside
Documentary focusing on star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Produced for the “Predator” DVD.
Predator: The Unseen Arnold
A series of interviews showing unfounded lawsuits from a politicized justice department engaged in the destruction of the careers and lives of state-level Democrats. Was it Karl Rove's plan to undermine the Democratic Party by attacking its support at a local level, away from national scrutiny?
The Political Prosecutions of Karl Rove
Television & Series (2)
The astonishing secret events behind the Russian submarine, Red October, that went missing on March 8, 1968, taking the Soviet Union and U.S. to the brink of war.
The Real Hunt for Red October
HBO First Look is an American television show on HBO that chronicles up and coming movies. It first started in 1992 with a documentary on A League of Their Own starring Tom Hanks, and still airs today. The series shows behind-the-scenes looks at the filming and interviews with the actors. The show is part documentary and part advertisement. It airs on HBO with no set schedule.