It’s hard to deny that Shakespeare is depicting a transitional moment from one notion of kingship to another, but what one marvels at more than anything is the portrayal of the twists of a multifaceted character who just can’t believe, but believes all too well, that forces are set against him and that he caused that to be so, more or less unnecessarily. As well, of course, as some incredible speeches by other characters (John of Gaunt; the Gardener). Ian McKellen revels in the role of Richard.