James A. Garfield and His Assassin in ‘Death by Lightning’
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access original materials, making it fitting that his new Netflix limited series, Death by Lightning, opens with a detailed re-creation of key events.
The recently released four-part series explores the intertwined lives of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and Charles J. Guiteau, the man who assassinated him in 1881. 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 story 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, portraying the principled Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen as the unstable Guiteau.
“Death by Lightning,” begins with a re-creation of Charles J.
Makowsky adapted the series — starring Michael Shannon (“Man of Steel,” “Take Shelter”), as the principled Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen (“Pride & Prejudice,” “Succession”), as the deranged Guiteau — from Candice Millard’s well-regarded 2011 book, “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President."
Key Details
- Series Type: Four-part Netflix limited series
- Main Subjects: James A. Garfield (20th U.S. president) and Charles J. Guiteau (his assassin)
- Source Material: Book by Candice Millard, 2011
- Historic Location: Garfield’s home in Mentor, now a National Historic Site
- Main Cast: Michael Shannon (Garfield), Matthew Macfadyen (Guiteau)
Summary: The series masterfully recounts President Garfield’s life and tragic assassination, drawing from authoritative historical sources and featuring compelling performances.
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