‘Death by Lightning’ Review
Overview
Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen lead Netflix’s four-part drama about James Garfield. The series also stars Betty Gilpin and Nick Offerman, with Weiss among the executive producers.
Content Warning and Tone
For Stephen Sondheim fans, prolonged exposure to Death by Lightning may trigger uncontrollable singing of Assassins. Do not watch if you are sensitive to Assassins. Possible side effects include thoughts of Sweeney Todd or Company.
Artistic Context and Availability
It’s a bit surprising that Netflix is airing Death by Lightning at all, given recent cautious approaches to politically sensitive drama. Unlike platforms such as Apple, which might have hidden this series away or heavily limited its promotion, Netflix has chosen to showcase it.
Thematic Exploration
Much like Sondheim’s Assassins and last year’s Manhunt, this series delves into political violence, examining assassination attempts and their troubled perpetrators as a disturbing contrast to the idealism of the American Dream. It exposes this extreme form of celebrity in a provocative way.
Creative Approach
Creator Mike Makowsky adapts Candice Millard’s book The Destiny of the Republic with careful confidence, especially through nearly three episodes focusing on Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Charles J. Guiteau.
Author’s summary: Death by Lightning is a tense, thought-provoking political thriller that insightfully explores assassination attempts as dark shadows beneath America's hopeful ideals.
Would you prefer a more detailed character analysis or focus on the production background?