A murderous lust for the British philosopher sees Richard III (Ian McKellen) descend to madness. England has been organised by civil war, divide between the houses of York and Lancaster though the atmosphere is transposed to the 1930s. Richard Agree to some fascist dictatorship, but should remove the obstacles to his ascension -- among them his brotherhis nephews and his brother's wife (Annette Bening). When the Duke of Buckingham (Jim Broadbent) deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised.