By J. Michael Shannon
As a longtime admirer of President James Garfield, I was excited, but wary, to learn that Netflix was producing a mini-series about him. I have read biographies, Garfield’s journal, and letters. I have visited his birthplace, home, and tomb. Naturally, I would be interested in what contemporary film makers would do to his story. This was a man who rose from extreme poverty to become a Restoration Movement preacher, college professor, college president, lawyer, Civil War general, congressman, and president.
The series takes its title from a statement Garfield made that he didn’t worry about assassination any more than he worried about death by lightning. The series was created and produced by Mike Makowsi and directed by Matt Ross.
Having seen the mini-series, I can say that there are many virtues. The series is based on the excellent book, Destiny of the Republic by Candace Millard. There are also a few faults, but they are significant ones. The series, like all historical dramas, makes use of poetic license, although less than most. In fact, some of the most unbelievable parts are actually true. It is beautifully filmed, and the script contains many of Garfield’s actual words.
The series is just as much about Garfield’s assassin as it is about Garfield himself. The series shifts back and forth from Garfield’s story and Charles Guiteau’s story. Guiteau was a man who failed at everything he tried in life. He tried to be a preacher, lawyer and newspaper editor, and author. He convinced himself that he was responsible for Garfield winning the election and deserved an appointment to an ambassadorship. He made himself a pest, and when refused a position began stalking the president and planning his assassination. The president was shot in a train station in front of several cabinet officials and two of his sons. He slowly died over the next two and a half months, his condition made worse by wrong decisions from the doctors. While the country mourned, as time passed, Garfield was almost forgotten.
The mini-series brings new attention to James Garfield. The production values are excellent and there are many stellar performances. Garfield is portrayed sympathetically, with focus on his integrity, intelligence, and kindness. Michael Shannon (no relation) is magnificent in his take on the president. Also notable are the performances by Matthew McFadyen as the insane, would-be office holder and assassin, Charles Guiteau. Equally impressive are Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield and Nick Offerman as Vice-President Chester Arthur.
The series begins in 1880 as Congressman Garfield prepares to attend the Republican National Convention. The scenes that depict the chaotic convention are some of the strongest scenes in the series. Garfield becomes the compromise candidate since the convention had become deadlocked. The two most viable candidates were James Blaine and former president Ulysses S. Grant. Garfield was asked to make a nomination speech for a favorite son candidate, John Sherman. It was that speech that caused Garfield to receive the nomination on the thirty-sixth ballot, as he gradually began receiving votes from the delegates.
The Republican ticket ekes out a narrow victory in the general election. The viewer cannot help but sympathize with Garfield in his battle against corruption and machine politics, particularly against the diabolical political boss, Roscoe Conkling.
I was moved by the scenes of Garfield’s suffering during the two and a half month battle to save his life. I was brought to tears in the scenes of his move from the White House to the Jersey shore so he could die in comfort and peace.
Now for the bad news. The mini-series contains an excessive use of anachronistic obscenities, some even put in the mouth of Lucretia Garfield, which is highly unlikely, and a couple of scenes of sex; the sex scenes being depicted when Guiteau was a member of a free love cult. These flaws were distracting and unnecessary. It is definitely not family friendly.
It will be disappointing to Christian Standard readers that there was no mention of Garfield being a Restoration Movement preacher, and barely any recognition that he was a devout Christian.
Many reviewers have given high marks to the series. It even rose to be the number one series on Netflix. While I cannot give an unconditional recommendation, I would guess that Garfield fans like me would want to see it. And I suppose if a series like this introduces Garfield to a new generation that knows next to nothing about him, and prompts them to investigate his story, we can find a measure of satisfaction in that.
J. Michael Shannon is the minister of Erlanger Church of Christ in Erlanger, KY, and retired professor of practical ministry from Cincinnati Christian University and Johnson University.
