Examining 'In Whose Name?': An Intimate and Confusing Glance into Kanye West's Unruly Empire
In a six-year span, filmmaker Nico Ballesteros has captured over 3,000 hours of raw footage of Kanye West's life, resulting in the documentary 'In Whose Name?'. Starting at the age of 18, Ballesteros' unfiltered portrait of West provides a unique insight into the rapper's life, including his ideas, breakdowns, separation from Kim Kardashian, and medication withdrawal.
The documentary, directed by Ballesteros, is parsed out across three acts and an epilogue. It maintains its momentum primarily based on the unprecedented access to West, following him along all the milestones we've witnessed as a gawking public.
West himself declares that 'In Whose Name?' is a film about mental health. He states that he has been off his meds for months, expressing concerns about the coherence of the documentary. Despite this, the film provides a linear account, albeit lacking a clear throughline.
Kim Kardashian, West's now ex-wife, is a crucial figure in grounding West at his most untethered. She takes West's temper in stride, yet we gradually see it weigh on her. In one poignant scene, she sits next to West's cousin after his outburst in Uganda, blotting tears with a tissue.
Kardashian comes across as the most rational figure in the documentary, often serving as a voice of reason. She states that people should say no to West when he throws tantrums, which is not normal. Her steadfastness is a stark contrast to the world around West, who is surrounded by artists and political pundits who cater to his every whim.
One such instance is when Michael Che confronts West backstage at a 'Saturday Night Live' taping about comments he made on the show. Another is Swizz Beatz chastising West for wearing a customized MAGA hat during a studio session.
By the end of 'In Whose Name?', West's goodwill is lost. AEG and Live Nation refuse to offer him a tour, and Las Vegas' Sphere does not return his calls. Unseen bits of West's life are peppered throughout the documentary, offering a glimpse into the man behind the public persona.
Despite the challenges and controversies, 'In Whose Name?' provides a compelling and raw look into Kanye West's life, offering a unique insight into the complexities of a global superstar.
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