Prequel: The War of the Roses

He was not the king of the people and that is what killed Richard III. As history proved Richard was a king, however, as he forced himself in he himself forgot it wasn't about him. His actions of killing to get to the throne was the stepping stone for the people to question him. Even though he reigned as a king, he never lived up to what a king was suppose to be.
Before Richard III, we are casted into a war between two home which is the House of York versus the House of Lancaster. For some, war is an act of its own. So the grittyness should show how it effecting the enviroment around people, however, to Richard war is another game to him for his real game is to collect what he wants.

For more information on the war check out this book:

Hubert, Cole. The War of the Roses. London: Hart Davis MacGibbon, 1973.
Print.

the civil wars in England during the 15th century arising from the dynastic struggle between the followers of the House of York (with the white rose as its emblem) and the House of Lancaster (with the red rose) during the reigns of Henry VI (reigned 1422–61 and 1470–1), Edward IV (reigned 1461–83), and Richard III (reigned 1483–85).

It reflects how the war inflicted on the houses and crosses over between the thoughts of the kingdoms. War reflects on its leader, but Richard did not reflect the war himself. He thought he could buy his way to power, but when Richmond comes into the picture, he defeats Richard and the land is united.