DEATH BY LIGHTNING was a tight, brilliantly acted, directed, and written historical drama based on Candice Millard’s novel about the life and death of our 20th, short-lived President. It entwined President Garfield’s (Michael Shannon) life with that of his assassin, Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen) in 1880. With only four episodes to this limited series, every frame counted to explain a complicated and compelling time in our past. It was educational and entertaining.
The cast of DEATH BY LIGHTNING included some heavy hitters such as Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, and Nick Offerman. The speeches, dialogues, and quiet moments hit a bullseye every time. The writers and actors made it look easy to connect with situations and events from close to 150 years ago. Our political scene is still wrapped in similar turmoil. It boggles the brain how humanity is doomed to repeat our countries’ mistakes. Over and over, the question was posed. How will history judge the decisions and actions of yesterday? What words will be used to describe politicians and the choices they make? It will give audiences a reflective pause.
I must mention the acting skills of Shannon and Macfadyen. There were phenomenally displayed moments of what manic behavior looks like, pitted against the genius and kindness of those who are mentally stable. It was like holding up a mirror to someone who has bipolar disorder long before the world of science knew what that was. Their performances were subtle and “in your face.” It gave credence to the stand-out line, “Assignations cannot be guarded against any better than DEATH BY LIGHTNING.” This was so well, succinctly spoken.
Kudos also to the costuming, hair, and make-up. Together, audiences will be whisked away to a time of top hats, beards, bustles, and corsets designed with accuracy.
DEATH BY LIGHTNING wasn’t what I expected. It was so much more. I learned tons about what historical scholars might say was a mere notation or footnote in our history books. I can’t help but wonder how our will will appear in the next century.
DEATH BY LIGHTNING is streaming on Netflix.
