James A. Garfield and His Assassin Spotlighted in ‘Death by Lightning’
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access authentic materials, making it fitting that the new Netflix limited series he created, Death by Lightning, begins with a recreation of Charles J.
The recently released four-part series intertwines the lives of the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. Garfield’s home in Mentor is now preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, maintained by the National Park Service.
Plot and Cast
The series showcases Garfield’s final days as president before Guiteau’s assassination abruptly ended his leadership in 1881. Michael Shannon stars as Garfield, portraying the president’s integrity, while Matthew Macfadyen plays Guiteau, embodying the assassin’s madness.
Source Material
Makowsky adapted the show from Candice Millard’s critically 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."
"James A. Garfield — whose Mentor home is now the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service — and Guiteau, the man who, in 1881, assassinated him."
"Makowsky adapted the series — starring Michael Shannon as the principled Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen as the deranged Guiteau — from Candice Millard’s well-regarded 2011 book."
Author’s summary: The series “Death by Lightning” reveals the intertwined fates of President Garfield and his assassin, blending historical accuracy with compelling drama.
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