James A. Garfield and His Assassin Featured in ‘Death by Lightning’
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access authentic materials, which sets the tone for his new Netflix limited series, Death by Lightning. The show opens with a reenactment of Charles J. Guiteau's infamous act.
This four-part series explores the intertwined lives of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and his assassin, Guiteau. Garfield’s home in Mentor is now preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service.
Series Details and Cast
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 as James A. Garfield, portraying the principled president
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles J. Guiteau, depicting the unstable assassin
“Death by Lightning” tells the parallel stories of Garfield and Guiteau, whose actions in 1881 ended Garfield’s presidency prematurely.
The series sheds light on a significant yet often overlooked chapter of American history through a compelling dramatization.
Author's summary: The Netflix series Death by Lightning vividly dramatizes the intertwined lives of President James A. Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau, offering fresh insight into a historic tragedy.