James A. Garfield and His Assassin Featured in Netflix Series "Death by Lightning"
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to access authentic material, which explains why his new Netflix limited series, Death by Lightning, begins with a detailed re-creation. The four-part series tells intertwined stories of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and his assassin, Charles J. Guiteau.
Garfield's home in Mentor is now the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. The series explores how Guiteau’s assassination of Garfield in 1881 abruptly ended the president's administration.
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 Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau.
"Death by Lightning," begins with a re-creation of Charles J.
Cast and Characters
- Michael Shannon plays James A. Garfield, depicted as a principled leader.
- Matthew Macfadyen portrays Charles J. Guiteau, the deranged assassin.
Source Material
The series is based on Candice Millard’s 2011 book, which details the madness, medical practices, and politics surrounding Garfield's presidency and assassination.
Historical Setting
The show highlights important historical locations such as Garfield’s Mentor home, preserved as a national historic site.
Death by Lightning provides a gripping look at the tragic end of Garfield’s presidency through a well-crafted narrative and strong performances.
Author's Summary
This series compellingly revisits President Garfield’s assassination, blending historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling to illuminate a pivotal moment in American history.
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