Death by Lightning Review: A Forgotten President, a Deranged Assassin, and the Politics of Power
This miniseries revisits the 1881 assassination of President James A. Garfield by exploring the intertwined lives of the idealistic president and his delusional assassin.
Overview
Death by Lightning explores the tragic event through two main characters: President James A. Garfield, portrayed by Michael Shannon, and Charles Guiteau, played by Matthew Macfadyen. The story reveals the rarely discussed assassination as more than just a historical footnote, examining the complex motivations and impact of the crime.
Context of Presidential Assassinations in U.S. History
- Across nearly 250 years of American history, four presidents have been assassinated.
- Two assassinations—Abraham Lincoln’s in 1865 and John F. Kennedy’s—are widely remembered and depicted in media.
- William McKinley’s assassination in 1901 had significant political consequences.
- The assassination of James A. Garfield in 1881 is less well-known and often overshadowed.
Production and Storytelling
The miniseries spans four engaging episodes, blending historical drama with psychological insight. Created by Mike Makowsky (Bad Education) and directed by Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic), it portrays parallel narratives: Garfield’s political rise and Guiteau’s descent into madness.
"Ending up as a mere footnote in history," one character reflects on Garfield's assassination, highlighting its overlooked place in the national memory.
Main Cast
- Michael Shannon as President James A. Garfield
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau
The series could have been condensed into a feature-length film but benefits from the episodic format to delve deeper into both protagonists' perspectives.
Author's summary: The miniseries sheds light on the overlooked assassination of President Garfield, offering a gripping, dual narrative of ambition and delusion amid 19th-century American politics.