Death by Lightning Review: A Forgotten President, a Deranged Assassin, and the Politics of Power
The Netflix miniseries Death by Lightning revisits the 1881 assassination of President James A. Garfield, weaving together the lives of the idealistic leader and his erratic killer, Charles Guiteau. Portrayed by Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen, their intertwined journeys reveal how ambition and delusion shaped a pivotal moment in American history.
Over nearly two and a half centuries of United States history, four presidents have been assassinated. The murders of Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and John F. Kennedy in 1963 remain deeply embedded in national memory. William McKinley’s 1901 killing during his second term had major political impact. Yet Garfield’s death, as noted in the series, became “a mere footnote in history.”
“A mere footnote in history.”
Created by Mike Makowsky, known for Bad Education, and directed by Matt Ross, celebrated for Captain Fantastic, the show unfolds across four captivating episodes. It balances drama and historical precision, following the President’s ascent alongside the descent of his murderer, whose misguided ambitions led to tragedy. The production’s cinematic pacing and strong performances bring renewed attention to a largely forgotten story of power, idealism, and madness.
Focus and Tone
- Explores the forgotten legacy of President James A. Garfield.
- Contrasts the driven reformer with his delusional assassin.
- Frames the killing as both political tragedy and psychological study.
- Highlights the overlooked political and emotional toll of the event.
Creators and Cast
- Created by Mike Makowsky.
- Directed by Matt Ross.
- Starring Michael Shannon as James A. Garfield.
- Starring Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau.
Author’s Summary: This series compellingly resurrects an overlooked presidential assassination, illustrating how idealism and madness collided in one of history’s forgotten political tragedies.