James A. Garfield and His Assassin in “Death by Lightning”
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access authentic materials, which is why it is fitting that the new Netflix limited series he created, Death by Lightning, opens with a detailed reenactment of Charles J. Guiteau’s actions.
The four-part series explores the intertwined stories of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and Guiteau, who assassinated him in 1881. Garfield’s home in Mentor is preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site under the care of the National Park Service.
Cast and Adaptation
- Michael Shannon portrays James A. Garfield, presenting him as a man of principle.
- Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles J. Guiteau, embodying the assassin’s disturbed mindset.
- The series is adapted from Candice Millard’s acclaimed 2011 book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President.
“Death by Lightning begins with a re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau’s assassination of James A. Garfield.”
The series brings to life the dramatic and tragic downfall of Garfield’s presidency through the lens of both the president and his assassin.
Historical Significance
Garfield’s assassination abruptly ended his tenure as president, making the series a poignant reflection on madness, medicine, and political violence in American history.
The Death by Lightning series illuminates the complexities behind this pivotal moment, highlighting the human stories behind historical facts.
Author’s Summary
This series vividly portrays the intertwined lives of James A. Garfield and his assassin, offering a gripping, humanized account of a tragic chapter in American history.