Netflix’s Death By Lightning tells the story of a moment in history that is widely forgotten while also shining a light on mental illness.
Even if you do not know the full story of America’s 20th President, James Garfield, and Charles Guiteau, you probably know the basics. Garfield was not President for very long at all, which is why he can sometimes be forgotten, but his story is an interesting one. He was a part of politics to support another candidate, seemingly rising from obscurity, before he was killed by one of his early supporters.
Netflix’s limited series, Death By Lightning, shines a light on mental illness while also highlighting this sad moment in history. Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles Guiteau and Michael Shannon portrays James Garfield – both of them delivering unforgettable performances.
Macfadyen especially stands out, as viewers spend most of their time with him. It is clear that Guiteau is not a great person, a manipulator even, and yet somehow we are drawn to him, protective of him, and even feel bad for him at times. This was an unexpected journey for me, but I dove right in and let it happen.
Not a lot was known about mental illness during this time in history, so to see the struggle that Guiteau goes through, completely flipping his personality day to day, is especially sad. The men he is surrounded by do not especially care for him, and certainly do not treat him well, which is even more difficult to watch.
Shannon also gives a great performance, shining a light on a President that most people watching will not know much about, I certainly didn’t. It was interesting to learn how he came to be the 20th President, and how little he wanted the job at first. His relationship with his wife is especially powerful and emotional.
Beyond this fascinating story, the most captivating part of it all is the lack of medical expertise for both physical and mental ailments. Macfayden is the standout of the series, with a nuanced performance that gets more and more intense as the episodes go on.
Due to the nature of the story, this is a limited series and will remain so, but it is one that is more than worth a watch. Even if you know the story of Garfield and Guiteau, your eyes are sure to be opened.
About Death By Lightning
Presenting the story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America’s 20th President and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.
Death By Lightning is now streaming on Netflix.
