The first teaser trailer for Kanye West’s upcoming highly publicized documentary “In Whose Name?” has been released, and it’s already generating buzz for its raw glimpse into the life of the rapper – including unguarded scenes with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
Distributed online on Wednesday, the trailer provides fans with a scarce glimpse into the couple’s volatile relationship, Ye’s erratic mental health issues, and public controversies that characterized recent years.
The trailer begins with a dramatic scene between the SKIMS creator and her ex, in which she learns that he has been “off [his] meds for five months now.” A dramatic, emotionally laden exchange follows between the ex-spouses. Kardashian is heard crying as she tells West, “Your personality was not like this a few years ago.” The mood escalates in another scene where West warns her, “Never tell me I’m gonna wake up one day and have nothing.” Kardashian tries to defuse the moment, replying, “We can talk about that later, but…” only for Ye to cut her off with a sharp, “It ain’t no ‘but!
Directed by filmmaker Nicolas Ballesteros, “In Whose Name?” is a product of six years’ worth of filming and documents West’s life as he struggles with bipolar disorder, personal relationships, and professional highs and lows. According to the official synopsis, the documentary not only records a cultural icon – it cuts deep into the experience of living with mental illness and its effect on identity, perception, and power.
The movie also covers the dissolution of Kardashian and West’s marriage, the loss of most of his biggest sponsorships, and escalating criticism from his now-infamous antisemitic rant. It will reveal Ye as not only a music and fashion giant but also as a man who is facing the demolition of his public persona. West and Kardashian got married in 2014 and have four children together – North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. Kardashian requested a divorce in February 2021, but she’s been candid about keeping their children safe from the public scandal. On the “Angie Martinez IRL” podcast in a 2022 interview, she shared, “I definitely shielded him, and I still will in the eyes of my kids, for my kids.
My children do not know anything that happens [in] the outside world”
The documentary’s premiere coincides with a period in which West has been all but invisible to the public eye, having spent several years of unpredictable antics and incendiary comments. Ballesteros’ film seeks to reconcile both the brilliance and the madness, giving viewers a nuanced, at times unsettling, picture of a figure who has remade – and rocked – pop culture.
“In Whose Name?” releases in theaters on September 19, allowing fans and critics alike to get the entire story behind the headlines.Tags: Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, In Whose Name, celebrity documentary, Nicolas Ballesteros, hip hop news, celebrity marriage
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
