James A. Garfield and His Assassin Featured in Netflix’s “Death by Lightning”
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access authentic materials, setting the stage for his new Netflix limited series, Death by Lightning. The show opens with a detailed reenactment of events surrounding the assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States.
Series Overview
This recently released four-part series tells the intertwined stories of President Garfield and his assassin, Charles J. Guiteau. Garfield’s residence in Mentor, Ohio, is now preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site by the National Park Service.
Creative Adaptation and Cast
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 portraying the disturbed Guiteau.
“Death by Lightning begins with a re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau’s assassination of James A. Garfield, bringing the president’s tenure to a premature close.”
“The series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, adapted from Candice Millard’s well-regarded 2011 book.”
Historical Significance
- James A. Garfield was the 20th president of the United States.
- Charles J. Guiteau assassinated Garfield in 1881.
- The president’s home is now a National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service.
Author’s summary: The Netflix series “Death by Lightning” brings to life the tragic story of President Garfield’s assassination, highlighting historical details with compelling performances.