James A. Garfield and His Assassin in Netflix Series "Death by Lightning"
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access original historical material, which influenced his new Netflix limited series, Death by Lightning. The show begins with a detailed re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau, the assassin who ended the presidency of James A. Garfield in 1881.
This four-part series explores the intertwined lives of Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, and Guiteau. Garfield’s home in Mentor is now preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service.
Makowsky adapted the series from Candice Millard’s acclaimed 2011 book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. The cast includes Michael Shannon as the principled Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as the disturbed Guiteau.
"Death by Lightning," begins with a re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau, who, in 1881, assassinated James A. Garfield, bringing his stewardship of the country to an early end.
Michael Shannon stars as the principled Garfield, while Matthew Macfadyen plays the deranged Guiteau.
The series offers a vivid portrayal of a tragic chapter in American history, highlighting both political legacy and personal turmoil.
Author's summary: The series Death by Lightning dramatizes the intertwined destinies of President James A. Garfield and his assassin, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in U.S. history.