Documentary ‘In Whose Name?’ Explores Kanye West’s Turbulent Journey

LOS ANGELES, CA — Director Nico Ballesteros has spent six years and sifted through more than 3,000 hours of footage to create ‘In Whose Name?’, a documentary that delves into the life of Kanye West, one of music’s most polarizing figures.

In a powerful voiceover at the film’s conclusion, West addresses the difficulties of piecing together his story. ‘We don’t know if we glued together the story,’ he admits. ‘If you’re documenting every almost waking moment and sometimes sleeping moments of my life and you don’t understand the throughline, then the world’s not going to understand the throughline.’

The documentary spans from 2018 to 2024, documenting West’s tumultuous life and career. Despite its extensive footage, viewers may find a lack of cohesive narrative. Critics suggest the film provides access to West’s life rather than clarity, mirroring the chaos often surrounding the artist.

West defines ‘In Whose Name?’ as a reflection of mental health, claiming he has been off his medications for months. Amid discussions about fame, he grapples with being both celebrated and criticized. The presence of celebrities like Chris Rock, Pharrell Williams, and Drake reinforces the culture of enabling that surrounds him.

Moments of confrontation in the film reveal West’s vulnerability. During a session, Swizz Beatz criticizes West’s choice to wear a MAGA hat. Michael Che confronts him about comments made on ‘Saturday Night Live’, stating, ‘That was messed up. Why are you going to call me out if I ain’t got a chance to say anything for myself?’ Such interactions depict the pressures of celebrity and West’s unstable responses.

As the film progresses, it showcases West’s interactions with ex-wife Kim Kardashian, who remains a grounding force. In a poignant scene, she expresses the emotional toll of his unpredictable behavior, highlighting the strain their relationship faces.

Ballesteros captures key moments in West’s life, including visits to the White House and performances at churches and prisons. However, much of the footage has already been seen by the public, leading to a sense of déjà vu for longtime fans.

Ultimately, ‘In Whose Name?’ presents a portrait of an individual grappling with hubris and personal crises. As the film closes, West acknowledges the fallout from his decisions, stating, ‘Should I have blown up my deals with the Gap and Adidas? Yes.’ The documentary ends, leaving audiences to ponder the implications of West’s complex character.