Straight Shooter (1999)
A grieving ex-legionnaire wages a deadly one-man war against a nuclear power plant, and only his former drill sergeant can stop him.
Straight Shooter - Movie Information
- Original Title: Straight Shooter
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Thomas Bohn
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: English, German
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 15, 1999 (Germany - 16)
- Alternative Titles: El francotirador (ES)
- Production Companies: Senator Film, Perathon Film-und Fernsehproduktions, ARD
- Production Countries: Germany
Straight Shooter - Plot
After his daughter died of cancer, former French foreign legionnaire "Straight Shooter" alias Volker Bretz threatens those who financed, built, favoured and now work the nuclear power plant Atar II to kill one of them each day until the plant is shut down. His former drill sergeant, Frank Hector, who now owns several night clubs and brothels, is the only one who might be able to stop the maniac killing specialist. Frank is flown in instantly, but soon has to find out that his former comrade's actions might be a result from an event long ago.
Where to Watch Straight Shooter
Looking for where to watch Straight Shooter?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Straight Shooter - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Thomas Bohn
Main Cast
- Dennis Hopper
- Heino Ferch
- Katja Flint
- Hannelore Hoger
- Ulrich Mühe
- Jürgen Schornagel
- Bernhard Bettermann
- Maximilian Beckmann
- Bianca Brad
- Georg Blumreiter
Writers
- Thomas Bohn
Straight Shooter - FAQs
What is Straight Shooter about?
Straight Shooter follows Volker Bretz, a former French Foreign Legion soldier whose daughter dies of cancer linked to a nuclear power plant. Consumed by grief and rage, he begins killing those responsible one by one until the plant is shut down — and only his old drill sergeant Frank Hector has any chance of stopping him.
Is Straight Shooter based on a true story?
Straight Shooter is a fictional thriller written and directed by Thomas Bohn. While it draws on real-world anxieties about nuclear energy and its health consequences, the story of Volker Bretz and his one-man campaign against a nuclear plant is not based on actual events.
Where can you watch Straight Shooter online?
Streaming availability for Straight Shooter varies by region and can change over time. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks current streaming, rental, and purchase options across all major platforms in your area.
Why does Volker Bretz target the nuclear plant officials?
Bretz blames the Atar II nuclear power plant for his daughter's death from cancer. Convinced that those who financed, built, and operate the plant are responsible, he launches a methodical killing campaign — one target per day — to force its shutdown. His military background makes him a uniquely lethal threat.
Who are the main actors in Straight Shooter?
The film brings together a strong international and German cast. Dennis Hopper plays Frank Hector, the ex-drill sergeant tasked with stopping the killer, while Heino Ferch portrays the grieving and dangerous Volker Bretz. Katja Flint, Hannelore Hoger, and Ulrich Mühe round out the key roles.
What is the connection between Frank Hector and Bretz?
Frank Hector was Bretz's drill sergeant in the French Foreign Legion. That shared history is precisely why he's called in to stop the killing spree — he knows how Bretz thinks and fights. As the pursuit unfolds, Hector discovers their past may be more entangled than he ever realized.
Who directed Straight Shooter and wrote the screenplay?
Thomas Bohn both directed and wrote Straight Shooter. The German production was backed by Senator Film, Perathon Film-und Fernsehproduktions, and ARD, and features cinematography by Peter von Haller with a score composed by Ulrich Reuter.
What films are similar to Straight Shooter?
If Straight Shooter appeals to you, films like The China Syndrome, Platoon, and Mission: Impossible III share its blend of military tension and moral urgency. For more contemporary thrillers with a similar lone-operative feel, The Operative and Chief of Station are worth a look.
More About Straight Shooter
Explore further details about Straight Shooter on these authoritative databases.