“Death By Lightning."

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“Death By Lightning” (Netflix) historical drama miniseries, based on the 2011 book “Destiny of the Republic” by Candice Millard. Stars Michael Shannon as United States President James A. Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as his assassin Charles J. Guiteau. 



       The series depicts the election and presidency of Mr Garfield, the 20th U.S. President, including his anti-corruption and pro-civil rights stances, as well as how his path crossed with Mr Guiteau, a deluded admirer, who ended up shooting him, leading to the president's death. Garfield served for only over 6 months or 199 days to be exact. 

       In only 4 concise episodes, this significant chapter in American history is revisited in a tight, no-frills, no irritating Republican versus Democrat grandstanding. Yet we get the “traditional politico” frivolities and selfishness + shenanigans as an entertainment sidebar. Overall, the major attention is on President James A. Garfield's assassin. 

       Matthew Macfadyen's performance is a craftsman's center-stage of slimy insistence, fanatical glee, and mental crisis in celebratory self-destruction (sic). Yet Matthew's Mr Guiteau isn't delivered as the typical bad guy; he could be the everyday character in the hallowed halls of political power vainly awaiting his one chance. Until he imploded, believing that could be his only ride to fame. Mr Macfadyen deserves both an Emmy and Golden Globe for this project.

      In all, director Matt Ross gave us an enjoyable lesson in U.S. history, regardless of some omissions for (maybe) cinematic brevity? Such as Rutherford Hayes isn't mentioned. He was POTUS for two terms after Ulysses S. Grant and before Mr Garfield.

       But never mind, I did get the message of “Death by Lighting,” loud and clear. 🎥👍📽

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