James A. Garfield and His Assassin Highlighted in ‘Death by Lightning’
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access authentic materials, which makes it fitting that the new Netflix limited series he created, Death by Lightning, starts with a detailed re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau’s assassination of President James A. Garfield.
This four-part series explores the intertwined lives of the 20th U.S. president, James A. Garfield, whose home in Mentor is now preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site by the National Park Service, and Guiteau, the man who ended Garfield’s presidency in 1881.
Makowsky adapted the show from Candice Millard’s acclaimed 2011 book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President.
Cast and Characters
- Michael Shannon stars as James A. Garfield, portraying the president’s integrity and leadership.
- Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles J. Guiteau, depicting the assassin’s unstable and disturbed character.
"Death by Lightning begins with a re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau’s assassination of President James A. Garfield."
"The series tells the parallel stories of the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, and Guiteau, the man who assassinated him in 1881."
The show blends historical drama with a psychological study, offering insight into the personalities behind a pivotal moment in American history.
Death by Lightning brings renewed attention to Garfield’s legacy and the tragedy that cut his presidency short.
Author’s summary: This series vividly tells the intertwined stories of President James A. Garfield and his assassin, combining historical accuracy with compelling performances.
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