James A. Garfield and His Assassin in ‘Death by Lightning’
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access original materials, which explains why the new Netflix limited series he created, Death by Lightning, opens with a reenactment of Charles J. Guiteau’s crime.
The recently released four-part series tells the intertwined stories of the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, and his assassin, Guiteau. Garfield’s home in Mentor is now preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, maintained by the National Park Service.
In 1881, Guiteau murdered Garfield, abruptly ending his presidency. The series, adapted from Candice Millard’s acclaimed 2011 book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, delves into their lives and this tragic event.
Principal Cast and Characters
- Michael Shannon portrays the determined and principled James A. Garfield.
- Matthew Macfadyen plays the disturbed assassin, Charles J. Guiteau.
“Death by Lightning begins with a re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau’s act, offering an intimate view of this dark chapter in American history.”
Historical and Cultural Significance
The series shines a light on Garfield’s brief presidency and Guiteau’s unstable mind, exploring themes of madness and political violence with depth and sensitivity.
Production Background
Makowsky's commitment to authenticity is evident in his months-long process of obtaining access to original sources, ensuring the series closely follows historical records.
Death by Lightning provides a detailed and humanized portrayal of two intertwined fates, shedding light on a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Author's summary: The Netflix series Death by Lightning vividly recounts President Garfield’s assassination, exploring the lives of Garfield and his assassin with compelling performances and historical fidelity.