James A. Garfield and His Assassin in ‘Death by Lightning’
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access original materials. This effort sets the tone for his new Netflix limited series, Death by Lightning, which opens with a detailed re-creation involving Charles J.
The four-part series explores the intertwined lives of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. Garfield’s home in Mentor is now the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service.
Guiteau ended Garfield’s presidency prematurely in 1881 when he assassinated him. The drama stars Michael Shannon as the honorable Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as the disturbed Guiteau.
“Death by Lightning” is adapted from Candice Millard’s acclaimed 2011 book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President.
Makowsky’s series balances the narratives of leadership and madness, bringing fresh insight into a critical moment in American history.
Author’s summary: The series Death by Lightning vividly portrays President James A. Garfield and his assassin, blending historical accuracy and compelling storytelling to explore a tragic chapter in U.S. history.