“Charles Guiteau Electrifies as Tom Wambsgans in ‘Death by Lightning'”
Charles Guiteau takes center stage in “Death by Lightning,” portraying a complex character that echoes his past role as Tom Wambsgans in *Succession*. The Netflix adaptation, inspired by Candice Millard’s *Destiny of the Republic*, showcases Guiteau’s obsession and psychological turmoil during an extraordinarily turbulent time in American history.
Character Dynamics and Historical Context
In the series, Guiteau, played by Matthew Macfadyen, encounters President James A. Garfield (Michael Shannon) during crucial moments. Their first meeting occurs in the episode “The Man From Ohio”. This scene captures Guiteau’s initial excitement and reverence for Garfield as he emerges from a crowd to shake the president’s hand, hinting at the impending violence that his admiration will foster.
The second meeting emerges in “Casus Belli,” where Guiteau’s desperation is evident. He believes he deserves a position in Garfield’s administration after campaigning for him, despite his efforts going unrecognized. Guiteau’s encounters culminate in an awkward but revealing exchange. Seeking greatness, he pleads, “Help me… Open the door.” His request underscores the depth of his longing for validation and success.
Thematic Elements
Throughout “Death by Lightning”, Guiteau reflects the struggles of a frustrated individual facing persistent failure. He has lived various lives: as a failed attorney, insurance salesman, and even a member of the Oneida Community, remembered for its unconventional practices. His character embodies a tragic quest for significance within a society that values success and recognition.
Performances and Interpretations
Besides Macfadyen’s compelling portrayal of Guiteau, the supporting cast shines, particularly Shannon’s Garfield, whose humility contrasts Guiteau’s desperate aspirations. Other notable performances include Shea Whigham and Nick Offerman as power brokers Roscoe Conkling and Chester Arthur, respectively.
- Matthew Macfadyen: Guiteau, embodying the tragic quest for greatness.
- Michael Shannon: Garfield, a war hero with deep humility.
- Shea Whigham: Conkling, representing the scheming political landscape.
- Nick Offerman: Chester Arthur, adding dimension to the political dynamics.
The series closes with powerful commentary on the nature of political ambition and individual identity. Guiteau’s plea at a parole board highlights his frustrations as he battles the narrative of personal worth, saying, “Here and only here, a man can be anything.” This underscores the American dream’s duality and the dark side of relentless ambition.
The Psychological Underpinnings
Although the show does not focus solely on assessing Guiteau’s historical portrayal as a precursor to today’s societal issues, it hints at deeper psychological complexities. It acknowledges his struggles with mental illness while examining how it intertwines with the broader American narrative of aspiration.
In portraying Guiteau, Macfadyen connects to his previous role as the ambitious Wambsgans, revealing a shared thread of desperation and ambition in distinct historical contexts. Guiteau’s character illustrates how the promise of the American dream can morph into tragic delusion, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
“Death by Lightning” ultimately suggests a delicate balance between ambition and madness, paralleling the aspirations of its characters with the broader societal narrative. It reflects the intricacies of 19th-century American politics while evoking contemporary reflections on individuality and idealism.
